442 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



that both kraits and Russell's vipers readily eat the young 

 foetuses from rats in an advanced state of pregnancy. 



Thirst. — This krait is a thirsty reptile. Impelled by thirst 

 it is frequently discovered in wells or catch pits containing 

 water in the garden, especially during the Indian hot weather. 



Breeding. — (a) The Sexes : Males appear to be more nume- 

 rous than females. Out of 67 sexed specimens in my note- 

 books I find 40 were males. Males also appear to attain a 

 greater length, for I have had four exceeding 4 feet, whereas 

 my largest females have been 1,067 mm. (3 feet 6 inches), 

 1,080 mm. (3 feet 6| inches), and 1,112 mm. (3 feet 7| inches). 

 The tail is rather longer in the male than in the female. 



(b) Anal Glands : The anal or scent glands secrete a 

 blackish material of the consistency of a soft ointment. This 

 has a peculiar, rather disagreeable but not very penetrating, 

 odour. The glands in both sexes are active at all seasons, 

 and at all ages from the time of hatching, so that I am inclined 

 to question the popular belief fostered by Darwin* among 

 others that they are concerned with the sexual functions. 



(c) Method of Reproduction : It is definitely known to be 

 oviparous in habit. 



(d) Season : The mating season is probably in the months 

 of February and March ; but more observations on this point 

 are badly needed. 



(e) Period of Gestation : Not known. 



(/) Period of Incubation : Not known. The female, after 

 discharging her eggs, remains coiled up with them, at any 

 rate, until they are well advanced towards incubation. In 

 a case reported by Bannerman, the eggs which were found 

 with the mother contained embryos " about 6 inches long." 

 In another instance eggs unearthed with the mother in Bannu 

 and sent to me were found to contain young embryos. 



(g) The Eggs : I have had two different clutches sent to me 

 for examination. The eggs in one clutch were described as 

 being " like pigeon's eggs and plump." I found they measured 

 35 by 19 mm. (1 § by f of an inch). They were white, elongate, 

 the poles equally rounded, and the shell soft, yielding, and 

 leathery, much like white kid. 



* Descent of man, p. 539. 



