212 OPHIDIA. 



the body are in from 37 to 51 longitudinal rows, and form 

 from 238 to 298 transverse rows ; on the tail the scales 

 are in 23 to 31 longitudinal, and in 23 to 33 transverse 

 rows. The upper parts are dull yellow, with numerous 

 brown spots of various shades and forms, being sometimes 

 round or oval, but generally angular ; in some eases much 

 larger than in others, and in many specimens replaced by 

 transverse bars, or zigzag lines ; beneath, the colour is yel- 

 lowish white, either uniform or with numerous black specks 

 or small spots, especially along the sides of the belly; from 

 the gape to behind the eye is a dark brown band. 



Entire length, 21 inches ; tail, 1 inch. 



Brings forth its young alive. Feeds on lizards and other 

 small animals. In Egypt this snake is often exhibited as 

 a Cerastes by persons who imitate the horns by inserting a 

 bird's claw over each of its eyes. 



Inhabits Greece, Turkey, the Islands of Naxos and 

 Tenos, but chiefly Egypt, and other parts of Northern 

 Africa ; also Tartary. 



Family COLUBRID^E. 



Non-venomous Snakes. Teeth without tubes, and but 

 seldom grooved; the head covered by broad plates; the 

 scales on the under side of the tail divided into pairs along 

 its whole length. 



Genus COLUBER. 



Head covered by plates of different sizes ; mouth with 

 three rows of teeth which are curved backwards, namely, 

 two rows on the jaws and one on the palate. 



