50 



of these snakes in Chapter VI will show that it is quite easy 

 to remember their characteristics. It is really sufficient to 

 note that the king cobra and the coral snakes resemble the 

 cobra in having the third supra-labial shield touching the 

 nasal shield and the eye (Fig. 11). No other snakes but 

 these, viz., the cobra, king cobra and coral snakes, have this 

 characteristic. 



The three pit-vipers, in spite of their shielded heads, 

 would be recognised at once by the loreal pit. 



To complete this chapter I may remind the reader that 

 the sea-snakes are all poisonous. They present no difficulty, 

 however, as they would be recognised at once by the eel-like 

 tail, flattened out vertically to form a fin. 



CHAPTER VII. 



HOW TO "SPOT" ANY COMMON SNAKE. 



First observe the snake carefully. Note its head— whether 

 shielded or scaly, its belly — whether it has ventrals and, if so, 

 whether they are narrow or broad. Count the rows of scales ; 

 note whether the vertebral series are larger than the others ; 

 note also if the scales are imbricate, and if keeled or smooth. 

 Count the ventrals and sub-caudals and note whether the anal 

 shield and sub-caudals are single or bifid. Then observe the 

 length and general shape of the snake, its eye, any peculiari- 

 ties in its head shields, etc. Lastly, turn your attention to its 

 colour and markings. 



By this time you will have easily placed the snake in one 

 of the four groups. If it falls into either Group I, II or IV, 

 q, reference to Chapter V will easily enable you to give it a 

 name. If it falls into Group III and is a poisonous snake, the 

 information given in the last chapter, together with that in 

 Chapter VI, will again readily reveal its identity. 



