168 TlMEHRI. 
December 16th 1891, and on May 3rd 1892), have taken 
place since May 4th 1891. In the former case 4 rings have 
been lost during that time (on May 10th), which, with 
the 3 formerly lost, make up a total of 12 rings, corres- 
ponding to the total number of exuviations since birth; 
while in the latter, 5 rings have been lost during the 
time (on October 3rd 1891, the four terminal rings, 
with the natal button, were lost; and on April 10th, 
1892 yet one more), which make up a total of 12 
rings, corresponding to the total number of changes of 
skin from birth. 
The intervals between the addition of the rings, 
therefore, vary considerably according to the age of the 
snake, becoming greater according as the snake gets 
older and larger ; and though confinement may to some 
extent have modified the conditions, yet the reptiles have 
grown so quickly, and seem to have such healthy and 
hearty appetites, that it is hardly likely that it could 
have made very much real difference. 
Viper-like Caterpillar. — Of all the many strange, 
grotesque and remarkable insect forms to be found 
in the colony, one of the most wonderful is the 
caterpillar of the large greenish sphinx-moth (Argeus 
labrusca) which feeds on the vine and other creeping 
plants. This grub is about 5 inches in length and very 
thick in the body, the colour of which is a dark 
purplish-brown, crossed above, and thickly marked 
at the sides, with paler brown and grey. The anterior 
segments of the body, when elongated, are quite 
small in comparison with the hinder parts, but they 
gradually increase in size backwards, until at the seven 
