34 
DESCRIPTION OF 
No. XXIX. 
COLUBER. 
Abdominal Scuta 202 
Sub-caudal Squama 9 1 
Called by the natives Palm Tutta. 
The head small, a very little broader than the neck, ovate, depressed, covered with 
various laminax of which the principal are one pair between the nostrils; a second, some¬ 
what larger, but similar in form; three between the eyes, the lateral purse-shape, the 
middle one, bell-lorm; the posterior laminae semi-cordate, truncate. 
The mouth, wide; the jaws unequal, the lower being considerably shorter. The teeth 
small, sharp, reflex; two palatal rows, and one marginal, in the. upper jaw. 
The eyes, distant, lateral, large, orbicular. The nostrils , likewise lateral, large, gaping. 
The trunk round, closely set with very small, smooth, ovate, scales, those excepted near 
the scuta, which are orbicular. 
The length of the snake, one foot eleven inches. The circumference, near the head, one 
inch ; in the middle of the trunk, above one inch and a half. The tail in length, is five 
inches ; very taper, and sharp pointed. 
The colour of the head, trunk, and tail, brown ; but the neck and upper part of the trunk, 
are decorated with about a score of narrow, cross, bands, composed of short, black, and 
white, lines; behind these, a few other more obscure bands are discernible, of reddish 
brown, interspersed with white; but the white in these is only the interstitial skin, 
whereas in the former, the scales were white. The latter bands become less and less visible 
in approaching the tail. The orbicular scales nearest the scuta, are yellow; and the scuta 
have a pale-yellowish cast. 
OBSERVATIONS. 
The bite of this snake on the breast of the chicken, produced no discoloration of the skin, 
nor did the bird show any symptoms of indisposition. 
To another snake of the same species, which appeared very active and lively, a pigeon 
and a chicken being presented successively, he could not be provoked to bite either, but 
coiled himself very quietly between them. 
The subject above described was sent to me from Casemcottah, in July, 17 88, by Cap¬ 
tain Gowdie, to whose attention, in transmitting numerous specimens, I was particularly 
obliged. 
