7 32 General Notes. 
pinguus, a male specimen having been taken in the act of moult- ; 
ing. Faxon adds, that “such a change as this connected with — 
the reproductive period is unparalleled, so far as I know, among — 
the invertebrata; and even among the vertebrata, the cases of — 
partial atrophy of the generative organs or shedding of antlers — 
(as in the stag) after the rut is over are hardly comparable.” 
THe GLOTTIS oF SNAKES.—In the January number of the 
American Naturatist, Dr. C. A. White, of the National Mu- 
seum at Washington, gave some highly interesting illustrations 
of the peculiar structure of the epiglottis that he had observed in 
‘the bull snake (Pityophis), and to which he attributes the loud, 
hoarse, “bellowing” sort of “hiss” for which this snake is re 
markable. The individual which he examined is still alive, occu- 
pying a distinguished and exclusive position with two or three 
other snakes at the museum, and it amiably submitted to have its 
mouth held open while Dr. White kindly exhibited to me the 
very singular character of its epiglottis. It differs so obviously 
from that of any other snakes which I have had an opportunity 
_of examining, that I venture to offer a few words to describe my 
while feeding? (for the wind-pipe often so far forward 35 
to be easily observed), the glottis is closed tightly and remains 
closed, except when occasionally ope as if for the ana 
of respiration and closed again; and the action appears to 
ion requires. The 
. 
: is 
impression imparted to the observer is, that the action 4 
‘form and position of a parrot’s tongue; and in som ee 
u may occasionally discern the cartilaginous rings of Ee that 
through the delicate membrane. The orifice in those al than 
I have watched appears to be of a more simple pagina by Dr. 
in Pityophis, and the epiglottis described and illustrate slightly 
White is either entirely absent or represented only -a called 
developed lip or valve at the lower part of the on ghly 
ve 
by Duméril a petite languette, which assists to more 
close the glottis. a 
Dr. White informs me that he has not watched Pityophi 
a ee ae 
