INDIAN SERPENTS. 
23 
It was received from Java in 1801, without any accompanying history or country 
name. It is indisputably noxious, though in what degree, or whether it grows to a larger 
size, are circumstances remaining to be ascertained hereafter. 
The description and figure of the Ataligato given by Seba suit the present subject so 
exactly, as to admit little doubt of its being of the identical species. Seba indeed men- 
tions it as a rare Mexican serpent ; * but several other serpents, besides the Cobra de 
Capello, are found in the new as well as in the old Continent, or in their respective 
islands. 
It is thus described by Seba “ Pulcherrimus hie anguiculus squamis purpureis tenui- 
“ bus per corpus supernum obsitus. Juxta dorsum protensas gerit tres albicantes 
“ fasciolas. Venter albus annulis quasi nigris distinguitur. Perpusillum est ejus capi- 
£t tulum ; et castera quoque longus et tenuis, rotundulus tamen et glaber conspicitur.” 
No. XX. 
COLUBER. 
Scuta Abdominalia 1041 
P P 7 7 7 1241 
Squama Subcaudales 7 7 J 
Called by the natives in Java 
at Vizagapatam, Boodro Pam. 
The head broader than the neck, swelling out behind on each side, depressed in 
front, and compressed on the sides of the obtuse rostrum. Close behind the trigonal 
lamina, which separates the nostrils, a pair of small oval lamina? is placed obliquely; 
the scales on the crown smooth, the rest of the head covered with small, orbicular, 
carinated scales : a narrow lamina above each orbit excepted. 
Between the nostril and the eye, on each side, but more on a line with the eye than 
the nostril, an aperture is observable (similar to that found in the rattle snake) which is 
larger and more ringent than the nostril. 
The mouth large. No marginal row of teeth above ; but a long fang on each side, 
and two remarkably long holders in front of the under jaw. The eyes large, globular. 
The nostrils on the verge of the rostrum, very small. 
The trunk round, slightly compressed ; the scales ovate, carinated, imbricate ; but two 
rows next the scuta on each side larger than the others, hexangular, and smooth. The 
slender round tail terminates in a fine sharp point. 
The length one foot eleven inches, of which four inches five lines belong to the tail. 
* Seba Thes. II. T. 7 7. f. 6. 
