COLLECTION OF OPHXDIA IN MUSEUM 81 
As soon as possible after death an incision should be made 
in the throat, another in the stomach region, and a third just 
anterior to the vent. The viscera may then be cut trans- 
versely with a pair of scissors, and can then be easily removed, 
when the snake will preserve much better. It can be kept 
in a 5 per cent, formalin and water solution or in methylated 
spirits. It is important not to crowd it into a small bottle 
for the first three or four days, and it should not be left in a 
strong light, or the colours will fade. The locality and date 
are important, and can easily be scribbled on a piece of stamp- 
paper, but most people will not take this trouble. 
Typhlops. — There are at least half a dozen species found 
in the Protectorate of which we have no examples. These 
blind snakes are very worm-like in appearance and habits. 
The mouth is a semicircular slit on the underside of the head ; 
head and tail are very much alike. 
Glauconia. — Externally very similar to Typhlops, but 
distinguished by the absence of teeth in the upper jaw. 
Several species have recently been recorded from German 
East Africa and Somaliland, and it is highly probable that 
undescribed species are to be found in this country. 
Colubrines. — There are about thirty-four species which 
have been recorded from B.E.A. or G.E.A. yet required ; most 
of them are small, insignificant snakes. The chief desiderata 
among the front -fanged species are Hydrus platurus (black 
and yellow sea-snake), an eel-like reptile that has been occa- 
sionally cast up upon the coast ; the tail is flat and rudder- 
like. Elapechis niger from Zanzibar, a sluggish and evil- 
looking snake with very small eyes, about two feet in length. 
Dendraspis angusticeps (common black or green mamba), 
which has been recorded from Mombasa and Taveta ; it attains 
a length of thirteen feet, but is comparatively slender. With 
its near relatives it enjoys the reputation of being the most 
deadly snake in Africa ; it is very active and has no hood. 
It is a common error in B.E.A. to apply the name ‘ Mamba * 
to the black-necked cobra ( Naia nigricollis ) . 
Viperines. — Our series of this family is almost complete 
with the exception of the burrowing vipers (Atractaspis ) , 
of which there are six not represented. Causus defilippi 
