THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 



GEOUP 1.— SEA SNAKES. 



Identification.— 2'aii compressed* (i.e., flattened Uhe an eel's — see 

 fig. lA). Snout and crown covered with large plate-Uhe shield (see 

 fig. 6). 



Fie. 6. — Platnrus laticaudatus ( X 4). 



The sea snakes (Hyd/rophiince) are all reputed highly venomous. 

 Investigation by Rogersf shows that the venom of our com- 

 monest species (JEnhyd/rina valahad/yn) is eight times more potent 

 than that of the binocellate cobra ! There are many published 

 records of fatalities owing to bites from sea snakes, but the name 

 of the offender is rarely, if ever, given, so that our knowledge of 

 the venoms of this family of snakes is extremely meagre, — in fact, 

 we have no certain knowledge of any one of them with the excep- 

 ion quoted above. The recognition of many of the species is 

 extremely perplexing, and in consequence the confusion in 

 terminology is great. Even our best books are very disappointing, 

 and fail to make the recognition of many of them possible. 



" Only one harmleas snake haa a compressed tail, viz., Chersydrus granulatus, an 

 aquatic species found in rivers and seas. In this the snout and crown are covered 

 with small scales only. 



t " The Lancet, " February 6th, 1904. 



