SNAKES OF CEYLON. 443 



The number of eggs deposited varies from 6 to 10. They 

 are placed beneath the earth. One clutch was unearthed in 

 May, and two others in June, whilst removing an old stop 

 butt on a range. They hatch out in May, June, and July. 



Growth. — (a) Length of Young : When emerging from the 

 egg the hatchling measures from 266 to 298 mm. (10 J to llf 

 inches). 



(b) Early Life : The young double their length in the first 

 year of life, and have trebled it by the end of the second year, 

 being then about 315 mm. (3 feet) in length. In the third 

 year they grow about 6 to 9 inches. 



(c) Maturity : A gravid specimen, 890 mm. (2 feet 11 inches) 

 long, indicates that the species is sexually mature at the end 

 of the second year of life. 



(d) Maximum Length : Specimens over 1,220 mm. (4 feet) 

 long are unusual. My largest specimen taped 1,340 mm. 

 (4 feet 4| inches). I have examined a skin that was 1,385 mm. 

 (4 feet 6 J inches), and as skins usually shrink a good deal it 

 is possible the snake was 3 or 4 inches longer than this in 

 life. Of 48 specimens used for experimental work in the 

 laboratory, by Acton and Knowles, no less than 13 were 

 1,220 mm. (4 feet) or over. The largest measured 1,397 mm. 

 (4 feet 7 inches). 



Poison. — (a) The Glands : These are relatively smaller than 

 in the cobra and situated behind the eye. A swelling in the . 

 temporal region indicates "their position. They are somewhat 

 retort-shaped, smooth, and when cut into reveal a cancellous 

 structure resembling a sponge. 



(b) The Yield : With some doubt Rogers estimated that 

 an average adult could yield three lethal doses (for man ?) at 

 a single bite. Acton and Knowles, assuming a degree of 

 susceptibility in man commensurate with that in monkeys — 

 a very fair assumption — conclude that an average -sized krait 

 could inject about 5' 4 mgms. of dried poison, or five times the 

 lethal dose for an average man. 



It is extremely remarkable how very variable the yield of 

 poison may be in individuals. Acton and Knowles found 



62 6(6)20 



