26 Bite of the North American Coral Snakes. [ January, 
liam Thompson thinks any considerable change of ellipticity in 
geological ages impossible. G. H. Darwin thinks the diminution 
of ellipticity in recent times not impossible! Fisher, Dutton and 
others? considering the matter from different standpoints, declare 
against any considerable amount of contraction since the forma- 
tion of the first crust. Mallet has estimated it at probably as 
great a figure as any one. 
(2.) A more careful noting of the height of marine terraces in 
all parts of the world, and an accurate determining of their rela- 
tive ages, as indicated by their fossils and degree of preserva- 
tion. The common remark, “containing recent shells,” is of little 
value. 
(3.) A more careful study of the geological formations in trop- 
ical regions, and an especial noting of any signs of their alter- 
nating with similar formations outside. This, probably, may as” 
readily be told, as in any way, by the comparative development 
of their forms of life. 
(4.) A special study of the areas occupying the neutral ground, 
to discover, if possible, the over-lapping of formations, alternately 
from the higher and lower latitudes. Such areas should be chosen 
as have been as little disturbed by local causes as any. Those — 
presumably the more favorable are Texas and Eastern Mexico. 
The Pampas and Australia. India, North and South Africa, are 
less favorable, at least, for the recent formations. The great vari- 
ability of the neutral belts should be remembered, and the con- 
sequent extensive overlapping of strata. These areas may be — 
found especially instructive, not only in determining the succes- 
sion of strata, but in filling up the gaps in the series, both in the 
-geological strata and the forms of life. 
"ry 
oe 
ON THE BITE OF THE NORTH AMERICAN CORAL 
SNAKES (GENUS ELAPS)3 
BY FREDERICK W. TRUE. 
1. The facts presented below indicate clearly, I believe, that : 
the North American coral snakes possess the poisonous charac- a 
teristics of the family to a considerable Gores; rendering their — 
1 Vid. Nature, Jan. sth, 1882. 
2 Vid. Fisher’s Physics of the Earth’s Crust, p. 75. 
3 Read before the Biologicil Society of Washington, Oct. 13, 1882. 
