104 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



Breeding. — (a) Method of Reproduction : Abercrombj' 

 mentions finding two eggs of this snake, so that it is oviparous 

 in habit. 



(6) The Egg : Abercromby gives the measurements of his 

 eggs as 41 mm. long and 12 mm. broad (If inches by J inch). 

 He unfortunately gives no date when they were found. 



Growth. — (a) The Hatchling : Abercromby's eggs contained 

 embryos 165 mm. long (6J inches), and a dead hatchling was 

 found with them. This is a remarkable length for the young 

 of a species that only grows to about 18 inches. 



(6) Maximum Length : Boulenger gives the measurement 

 as 460 mm. (about 18 inches). The tail 85 mm. (3| inches). 



Lepidosis. — (a) Typical . As detailed under the genus. 

 Prseoculars : Two. Temporals : Two ; the lower about as 

 long as the supraocular. Supralabials : Eight ; the 1st and 

 2nd touch the nasals, 4th and 5th the eye, and the 6th and 7th 

 the lower temporal. Infralahials : Six ; the 4th, 5th, and 

 6th touching the posterior subhnguals ; 6th broader than the 

 posterior subhnguals, but much shorter, touching three 

 scales behind. 



Costals : Keeled, except in the last two or three rows. 

 Supracaudals : Keeled till the fours are estabhshed. 

 Ventrals: 131 to 141. Anal: Divided. Suhcaudals: 48 to 54. 



Dentition. — Prom one skuU in my collection. Maxillary : 

 Prsecranterian 24 to 26 ; subequal. Cranterian : Two ; 

 obliquely set, ungrooved, about twice the length of the 

 preceding. The palatine are as large as the maxillary and 

 number 20. The pterygoid are as large as the maxillary 

 and number 30 to 31. The mandibular are as large as the 

 maxillary and number 32 to 34. (Fig. 24.) 



Fig. 24. — Maxilla of Amphiesma ceylonensis. 



Distribution. — (a) General : PecuUar to Ceylon. 

 {b) Local: It is evidently an uncommon snake, for Ferguson 

 failed to procure a specimen. Haly only refers to three. 



