iraocuous SEEPENTS. 
163 
21. Dipsas Nattereri. Departs from the other spe- 
cies of Dipsas by its head, of which the shape approaches 
that of the Dendrophis. The muzzle, however, is short 
and narrow, and the pupil of the eye vertical ; plates on 
the muzzle small, those of the top of the head long and 
narrow ; 17 rows of lanceolate scales, surmounted by a 
Carina, and of the same size throughout ; a posterior 
maxillar tooth, larger than the rest. Of small size ; 
brownish ; back with four dark rays. S. 168 + 74 . From 
Brazil. 
22. Dipsas punctatissima. Size, habit, and form, 
absolutely like the preceding ; but the scales are smooth, 
the tail more slender, the tints clearer, the vertical plate 
more elongated, and the eye smaller. S. 150 + 90. In- 
habits the regions to the north of the river of the Ama- 
zons. 
23. Dipsas Gaimardii. A very beautiful species, from 
the Island of Madagascar ; has a form very slender, and 
extremely delicate ; body somewhat high ; sides of the 
tail slightly angular ; head rather small ; 17 rows of 
scales all of equal size. S. 276 + 116. Of a pale purple- 
brown ; a great number of transverse bands on the back ; 
often accompanied by spots on the sides. 
24. Dipsas annulata. Eesembles the preceding by 
its colours and physiognomy ; but its form is much more 
heavy; the head more voluminous, the tail shorter. S. 
186 + 89. Occurs from the Paraguay as far as New 
Orleans. 
25. Dipsas fallax. A singular species, which approaches 
the Coronellae. Like the last, but more robust, and with 
a shorter tail ; the occipitals are also smaller, the head 
less high, and the eye less large. The frenal plate is 
elongated, and reaches to the eye ; a long grooved tooth 
exists at the posterior part of the jaw ; 19 rows of smooth 
scales. S. 206 + 55. From Dalmatia to the Levant. 
Above grey-brown, marked with black, and set off by 
several ranges of broad dark spots. A cruciform spot 
on the nape of the neck. 
The Fifth Family of Innocuous Snakes includes the 
