1881.] Zoology. 561 
Incidentally he refers to the pitcher of Sarracenia as “ corres- 
ponding morphologically to a peltate leaf like that of Nelumbium,” 
but with the hollowed out depression of the upper surface much 
deepened and narrowed. orren’s Correspondance Botanique, 
8th edition, is a valuable aid to the botanical collector as well as 
the general botanist, giving as it does the address, title and spe- 
cial line of work of the more prominent botanists and collectors 
in all parts of the world. We shall be doing a good service to 
many students by calling attention to the catalogue of works on 
natural history, just issued by Bernard Quaritch, 15 Piccadilly, 
London. Many rare and valuable botanical books are offered at 
moderate prices. An important work, “ Eléments de Botanique 
Fossile,” by Edouard Bureau, is announced by the Paris booksel- 
lers as about ready. Peter Henderson, well known for many 
years as a prominent horticulturist, has just published a “ Hand- 
book of Plants,” which is designed to serve as a dictionary, or 
reference-book for the plants in cultivation either for use or orna- 
ment. It is especially adapted to this country, and is thus more 
valuable for Americans than Paxton’s, Loudon’s or Lindley’s works. 
The arrangement is alphabetical for easy reference, but the natu- 
ral order is indicated in every case. Instructions as to the best 
modes of cultivation are given in many cases, in addition to short 
descriptions of the plants. Not only will this book prove valu- 
able to the horticulturist, but in many cases the botanist will find 
it indispensable also. 
ZOOLOGY. 
THE KING SNAKE (OPHIBOLUS SAYI) SUPS ON A FULL GROWN 
WATER MOCCASIN (ANCISTRODON PIscivoRUS).—“ Be ye therefore 
wise as serpents.”—Matt. x, 16. 
The non-venom-secreting Ophibolus and the deadly Ancistro- 
don had kept a friendly companionship for several days in the 
same prison box. Well aware of each other’s peculiar meth 
of self-defence, there had been a policy truce instituted for the 
nonce. The former did not relish a hypodermic injection of pol- 
son from his surgeon neighbor, and the latter equally as much 
dreaded a fraternal embrace from his acrobatic companion. e 
by the reduplicating folds of its agile enemy. From neck to tail 
bs back again, its entire length was tied up so effectually that 
respiration became difficult, movement of the body was out of 
