20 Function of the Epiglottis in the Bull-Snake. (January, 
suggested a likeness to the low, rumbling bellow of the bull; 
hence the popular name of these serpents. The peculiarity of the . 
hiss of the bull-snake is due to the character and posture of the 
epiglottis. This organ is absent, or represented only by a small j 
tubercle, in all other serpents which I have examined. It is present 
‘in all the species and varieties of Pityophis. It is of the same 
general character in all, although it varies a little in shape in oa 
Fic, 1.—Lateral and view from above of Mouth Parts of the Bull Snake. 
- different species, and also somewhat in different individuals. — 
therefore regard this feature as a generic character, although it. 
not improbable that some of the nearer allies of Pityophis wi 
found to possess a similar epiglottis. The accompanying zt 
drawn from nature by my friend Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, U. S. 
represents the mouth-parts of Pityophis sayi var. bellona. 
Sls im 
