306 



REPTILES. 



[Chap. IX. 



especially when alarmed, affords evidence of the same 

 faculty. 



The general characteristic of the Tree-snake is an 

 exceedingly thin and delicate body, often adorned with 

 colours exquisite as those of the foliage amongst which 

 they live concealed. In some of the South American 

 species the tints vie in brilliancy with those of the 

 humming-birds ; whilst their forms are so flexible and 

 slender as to justify the name conferred on them of 

 " whip-snakes" The Siamese, to denote these combina- 

 tions of grace and splendour, call them " Sun-beams." 

 A naturalist 1 , describing a bright green species in Brazil 

 (Philodryas viridissimus), writes : " I am always de- 

 lighted when I find that another tree-snake has settled 

 in my garden. You look for a bird's nest, the young- 

 ones have gone, but you find their bed occupied by one 

 of these beautiful creatures, which will coil up its 

 body of two feet in length within a space no larger 

 than the hollow of your hand. They appear to be 

 always watchful ; for at the instant you discover one, 

 the quick playing of the long, black, forked tongue 

 will show you that you too are observed. On perceiving 

 the slightest sign of your intention to disturb it, the 

 snake will dart upwards through the branches and over 

 the leaves which scarcely appear to bend beneath the 

 weight. A moment more, and you have lost sight of 

 it. Whenever I return to Europe, you may be sure 

 that in my hot-house those harmless, lovely creatures 

 shall not be missing." 



Ceylon has several species of Tree-snakes, and one of 

 the most common is the green Passerita, easily recog- 



1 Dr. Wucherer of Bahia. 



