COLLECTION OF OPHIDIA IN MUSEUM 79 
Of the fifteen specimens of C. hoplogaster fourteen were 
normal, i.e. 8 labials on both sides, with the 4th and 5th enter- 
ing eye. The abnormality consisted in labials being 9-8 ; 
5th and 6th entering eye on the right side. 
It seems highly probable that cases of interbreeding must 
occur between two so nearly related species inhabiting the 
same locality ; on the other hand, the slight differences may 
be individual, and not specific. I am inclined to think that 
the two species merit specific rank, but that the labials are 
so liable to fusion and division that they are valueless for pur- 
poses of determination. In the near future I hope to obtain a 
number of living specimens to see if they interbreed in captivity 
and solve the question by an examination of their progeny. 
Chloro'phis neglectus (East African Green Snake). — Yentrals 
149-178, caudals 77-126, instead of * Yentrals 149-166 and 
caudals 77-114.’ 
Thrasops RotJischildi. — Our example of this scarce and 
recently described snake has 117 caudals as against 141 of 
the type. 
Dasy'peltis scabra (Egg-eating Snake). — This snake is 
extraordinarily variable in colouring ; there are specimens 
of jet black, dark brown, and grey in the collection. In the 
Fort Hall district all the specimens I have seen were ringed with 
white speckles very similar to those in Leptodira hotamboeia. 
Mr. T. D. Nair sent in an interesting colour variation (I 341) j 
which he assures me is quite common in the Giriama country ; 
it has not been described to my knowledge : 
Dorsally pinkish brown, each scale with two microscopic 
black specks at tip, laterally scales are vivid pink, the two 
outer rows of scales, like all the ventrals, freckled with white 
dots. Gular shields, as also anterior ventrals, white, gradually 
merging into pink posterior ventrals. Head scales pinkish 
brown, the frontal and parietal scales with faint traces of 
the typical markings. Upper labials pinkish except on the 
buccal border, thickly peppered with minute black spots. 
Lower labials pure white. 
Tarbophis guentheri (I 132). — This specimen agrees with 
T. obtusus in having 23 scale rows instead of 21, but it possesses 
an entire anal. 
Vol. v. — No. 10* 
G 
