358 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



(c) Maturity : The three dams known to me measured 

 1,550, 1,727, and 2,516 mm., respectively (5 feet 1 inch, 5 feet 

 8 inches, and 8 feet 3 inches). 



(d) Maximum Length : Most adults range between 1,370 

 and 1,675 mm. (4| to 5^ feet). Two specimens of robusta in 

 the British Museum are reported by Gunther to be 1,830 mm. 

 (6 feet) long. Specimens over 1,830 mm. (6 feet) are unusual. 

 The measurements of Dr. Henderson's giant specimen are 

 exceeded by a specimen which, with an element of doubt, 

 I refer to this species, killed by Mr. Stone, the first Officer on 

 the P. & O. " Arcadia," off Penang (Bombay Nat. Hist. 

 Journal, Vol. XXII., p. 403). This measured in life 2,745 mm. 

 (9 feet). The dried skin submitted to me for examination 

 measured 2,675 mm. (8 feet 9 inches). Such a specimen may 

 well have been the foundation of the story of " the seasnake." 



Poison. — Nothing is known of the toxicity of this venom. 

 No human casualties have been reported, and the poison has 

 not been investigated in the laboratory. 



Lepidosis. — (a) Typical — Rostral : Broader than deep ; the 

 portion visible above half to two -thirds the suture between 

 the nasals. Nasals : A suture usually from the nostril to 

 the 2nd supralabial. Prefrontals : Touch the 2nd supra- 

 labials. Frontal : Entire ; longer than broad ; the fronto- 

 parietal sutures subequal to or rather longer than the fronto- 

 supraoculars. Supraoculars : Length two-thirds to three- 

 fourths the frontal ; breadth two-thirds to three-fourths the 

 frontal. Parietals : Entire. Prxoculars: One. Postoculars : 

 One. Temporals : One anterior, usually confluent with the 

 subjacent supralabial and so reaching the border of the lip ; 

 frequently succeeded by one of nearly equal size. Supra- 

 labials : Seven to eight ; the anterior four, five, or six, entire ; 

 the rest small. The 1st and 2nd touch the nasals ; 3rd and 

 4th the eye. Sublinguals : Two well-developed pairs, the 

 fellows of each in contact. Infralabials : Four ; the suture 

 between the first shorter than that between the anterior 

 sublinguals ; 4th largest and in contact with three or four 



