markings of blackifh. Befides thefe there is a number 

 of black fpots of different fizes here and there difperfed 

 over the whole fnake. The tail is fomewhat thin and 

 fhort in proportion to the body. The fcales of this 

 fnake are harm and ftiff, and are very ftrongly carinated. 

 The head is covered . with fmall fcales, and is on its 

 upper part marked by a very large longitudinal patch 

 of brown, running out into pointed procefTes at the 

 fides, and bounded by a fpace of dull lead- colour or 

 cinereous. The fhape of the head is broad and flat- 

 tened : the cheeks are varied with blackifh and yellow. 

 It feems to have been taken at a period not far diftant 

 from that of calling its Ikin; as the exterior fcales fepa- 

 rate eafily from the fubjacent ones, which then appear 

 of a clearer and lighter colour than before, and the yel- 

 lowifh variegations on the fides and belly approach to a 

 whitnli colour, with darkifh fpots and marks. This 

 fnake is fuppofed to be a native of the interior parts of 

 Africa, and was obtained from the mailer of a Guinea 

 veffel by the Rev. Edward Jenkins of Charles-Town, 

 South Carolina, by whom it was lately prefented to the 

 Britilh Mufeum. 



