492 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



in adequate doses, cannot be expected to save a patient who 

 is suffering from cardiac weakness due to non -toxic causes. 

 A feeble or rapid pulse, with cold body surface, specially 

 noticeable in the extremities, and a subnormal temperature 

 are, though silent, vociferous appeals from an inarticulate 

 subject for vigorous stimulation of the heart. 



Parasites. — (a) Ectozoa : A very common parasite to infest 

 the cobra is the tick Aponomma Iseve variety paradoxum, 

 which attaches itself between the scales. The adult is about 

 the diameter of a lentil, flat, and of a dark plumbeous colour. 

 I have also seen minute scarlet mites, apparently the same as 

 those found on Oligodon sublineatus, which Professor Nuttall 

 identified as larval forms, probably of a Gelcobia. 



(b) Entozoa : Both nematode and cestode worms inhabit 

 the stomach and intestine, the identity of which I have not 

 been able to determine. 



(c) Rxmatozoa : Laveran mentions having found hsemo- 

 gregarines, viz., Hxmogregarina najae, in the red blood cells. 



Lepidosis. — {a) Typical — Rostral : The rostro-nasal sutures 

 are about half the rostro-internasals, and subequal to the 

 rostro -labials. Internasals : The suture between them is 

 about half to three -fifths that between the prefrontals, and 

 half or less than half the intern aso-praefrontals. Prefrontals : 

 The suture between them longer than the praefronto-frontals ; 

 touching the internasal, prseocular, and supraocular. 

 Frontal : The fronto -supraocular sutures are about twice the 

 fronto-parietals. Supraoculars : Longer than the frontal, 

 about three-fourths the breadth of the frontal along a line 

 connecting the centres of the eyes. Nasals : Subequal in 

 depth. Prxocular. Longer than deep ; hardly reaching the 

 top of the head ; touching the internasal. Postoculars : 

 Three ; subequal. Temporals : Lower as long as the supra- 

 ocular. Supralabials : Seven ; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 

 touching the nasals ; 3rd and 4th the eye ; and the 5th and 

 6th the temporals. Sublinguals : The posterior subequal to 

 the anterior ; completely separated by a single scale nearly as 

 large ; touching the 4th and 5th infralabials. Infralabials : 

 Five ; the 4th and 5th subequal, 5th nearly as long as the 



