C 7° n 
VI. Observations on the Orifices found in certain poisonous Snakes , 
situated between the Nostril and the Eye. By Patrick Russell, 
M.D. F. R.S. With some Remarks on the Structure of those 
Orifices ; and the Description of a Bag connected with the Eye , 
met with in the same Snakes. By Everard Home, Esq. F. R. S. 
Read February 2, 1804. 
In the description of the Fer-de-lance or yellow snake of 
Martinico, the Count de la Cepede has remarked an orifice on 
each side of the head, between the nostril and the eye, which 
had by some naturalists been conceived to be the external organ 
of hearing ; but, not having an opportunity himself to ascertain 
the fact by dissection, he recommends it as an interesting object 
of future investigation.* 
I have, in the course of the last three years, received two 
colubers from Java; and, by favour of Dr. Clark, two from 
Martinico; all four venomous, and distinguished by lateral 
orifices. In the month of January, 1803, Dr. Garthshore pre- 
sented me with a specimen of the yellow snake of Martinico, in 
excellent preservation. 
Six subjects, distinguished by these lateral orifices, now in my 
possession, offering a fair opportunity to determine a curious cir- 
cumstance in comparative anatomy, the specimens were sub- 
mitted to my friend Mr. Home, of whose assistance I had more 
than once availed myself, in similar investigations. My request 
* Hist . Nat . Tom. II. p. 122. 
