[ 2 9Q ] 
inches, the tail 3 4 inches j lb that the 
whole ferpent is 26 inches long. 
The Belly is covered with 145 broad fcales, or 
fcuta j the tail with 43 pair of fmall 
fcales, or fquamae. 
The number of fquamae and fcuta have been 
thought by late authors to be the beft method of de- 
termining the fpecies of ferpents j but they are not 
ignorant that they differ a few now and then : Halfel- 
quift reckoning 150 fcuta, and 50 pair of fquamae, to 
his Coluber cornutus. 
I am, my Lord, 
your Lordlhip’s 
moft obedient humble fervant* 
To the Right Hon. the Earl of Morton, 
Prefident of the Royal Society. 
John Ellis. 
XXXVI. Ab- 
