PREFACE 



This monograph is the result of a careful study of about three 

 thousand specimens of Philippine snakes, preserved for the most 

 part in the collection of the Bureau of Science and in my own 

 private collection. Through the courtesy of the directors of the 

 Museo de Santo Tomas and El Ateneo de Manila, I was also 

 able to make a study of numerous specimens contained in their 

 important collections. A few specimens at Silliman Institute, 

 Dumaguete, Oriental Negros, were examined, as well as a few in 

 some of the private collections in Manila. 



In most cases the descriptions given in this work are of 

 normal Philippine specimens ; where no specimen has been avail- 

 able, I have taken a description given by another author. In 

 the definition of genera, I have drawn very largely on Boulenger.* 



I have also drawn on various other authors and on my own 

 .previous papers for illustrations, and in each case credit has 

 been duly given. Most of the original drawings here published 

 were made by Macario Ligaya. 



It has been impossible to examine all the literature treating 

 of Philippine herpetology; but many works are included in the 

 synonymies which I have been unable to examine. 



It is a matter for regret that I have not had access to European 

 herpetological collections from the Philippines. For the most 

 part, collections in European institutions were studied and re- 

 ported on before the appearance of Boulenger's work, and in 

 consequence the identifications are frequently incorrect or un- 

 trustworthy. However, the necessity for an examination of the 

 European collections has been largely obviated by Boulenger's 

 admirable work.f I have examined various collections in 

 America. 



As companion volumes to The Snakes of the Philippine Islands 

 I have prepared The Lizards of the Philippine Islands and Am- 

 phibians and Turtles of the Philippine Islands. It is expected 

 that the three volumes will be published at about the same time. 



Edward H. Taylor. 



Manila, P. I., July k, 1919. 



* Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus. 1-3 (1894-1896). 

 fOp. cit. 



