PRI3IABY GROUPS OF THE SERPENTS. 145 



head, however, is large behind, and possesses an aspect of 

 ferocity, well suited to their natural character : the jaws 

 are very dilatable, and the tongue remarkably extensible. 

 Such of the species v>'hose mode of reproduction is best 

 known, bring forth their young alive ; hence their com- 

 mon name Vipers, which, as M. Cuvier remarks, seems 

 to be a contraction of viviparous. In the majority of 

 venomous serpents, the vi^s lachrymales exhibit a re- 

 markable modification, inasmuch as the lachrymal canals 

 immediately pour the tears into the nasal fosses, without 

 depositing them in the intermaxillary reservoir. Another 

 peculiarity belonging to this group must also be men- 

 tioned; it consists of a deep hole, or perforation, behind 

 each nosti'il, the use of which has not yet been dis- 

 covered. 



(147.) A general sketch of the different groups com- 

 posing this family, is all that will interest the general 

 reader ; since their true affinities remain for future in- 

 vestigation, and their scientific details will be given 

 in another place. We enter among the poisonous ser- 

 pents, either by the Achrochordus Javensis, already no- 

 ticed, the genus Sepidon of Merrem, or perhaps by that 

 of Naia, formed of the Cobra de Capellos, or hooded ser- 

 pents, of the East Indies. M. Cuvier places the first of 

 these serpents at the termination of the family Colu- 

 heridce, and just before the present division. Its precise 

 situation depends upon analysis ; but there can be little 

 doubt, judging from its general appearance, that it re- 

 presents the AmphisbcBTifF, and consequently the Anguidce 

 or slow-worms. The Cobra de Capello (a Portuguese 

 name signifymg the snake with a hat or hood) bears 

 the rasorial designation of two eye-like spots, in the shape 

 of a pair of spectacles, marked on its back, from whence 

 it is termed, amongst us, the spectacle-snake. It is 

 one of the most deadly serpents of the East, and when 

 irritated has the power of raising the anterior ribs, and 

 drawing them forward, so as to dilate this part of the 

 body into the appearance of a hood or cowl, on each 

 side of the head. There seem to be several species, 



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