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CuRSOEiA, Gray. 



Differs from Gongylophis in having smooth scales and 

 apparently a mental groove. 



C. elegans, Gray. 



Head not distinct from neck. Snout truncated. Eye very 

 small. Nostril very narrow. Head covered with small scales, 

 those on the snout being largest. A pair of small frontal shields 

 behind the rostral. 11 small upper labials, the sixth highest and 

 below the orbit, which is encircled by a ring of small scales. 



Scales in centre of body in 36 rows. Colour light brownish 

 olive, with a dorsal series of irregular rounded chestnut spots 

 black edged, with numerous small spots along the sides and belly. 



Grows to 16 inches. 



Inhabits Afghanistan. 



Sub-order 2. Venomous Colubeine Snakes. 

 A poison gland present. 



Family Elapid^. 

 Tail conical, tapering. Head normally shielded, but the loreal 

 invariably wanting. Nostril lateral. Eye moderate or small, 

 with round pupil. Venom fang grooved in front and the canal 

 contained, terminating in a slit. 



Naja, Laurenti. 

 Neck dilatable into a hood. Scales smooth in 15 rows on the 

 body, but more numerous on the neck. Nostril between two 

 shields. 



N. tripudians, Merr. 

 Coluber naja, L. 

 N. lutescens, Laur. 

 JV. larvata, Cantor. 

 iV. atra, Cantor. 

 i\^. kaouthia, Less, 

 Neck very dilatable under excitement, the anterior ribs being 

 elongated and expansile. Anal entire. Subcaudals bifid. 6 upper 



