INDIAN SERPENTS. 
3 
those next to the scuta larger than the others, and ovate. The length, one foot three inches 
and a half. The tail tapers suddenly, sharp pointed: in length one inch and a half. 
The colour , a dark brown, with a row of spots on the ridge of the back, from the neck to 
the end of the tail, varying in size and hgure, but all of a dull-yellowish colour, edged with 
black. Along each side runs a conspicuous waving fillet of the same colour; and on the 
head, are four remarkable dark spots, the largest of which bears, in shape, some resem¬ 
blance to a horse-shoe. The scuta are of a yellowish-white; and each of those of the belly 
is marked with three or four dusky dots. 
OBSERVATIONS. 
Specimens of different sizes were found to vary very little in colour, and still less in the 
spots: the difference in number of scuta was very inconsiderable. 
The poisoning organs of this snake show it to be noxious; but in what degree it is so, 
not having met with a living subject, I had no opportunity of ascertaining. Its bite is 
represented as very dangerous; and must be highly so, if it be the Viryen Pamboo of the 
Tamouls, under which name I once received it; for in the directions for using theTanjore 
medicine, a double dose is directed to be given for the bite of that snake." 
I was obliged for the specimens of this snake, in spirits, to Major Bonniveaux, who sent 
them from Arni, in 1 7 7 8. 
No. III. 
BOA. 
269 . 
A bdominal Scuta 2,33' 
Sub-caudal Squama 3 G 
Called by the natives Bungarum Pamah, and Sackeenee in Bengal. 
The head small, hardly broader than the neck, ovate, crown depressed; the sides from the 
orbits compressed; rostrum somewhat declining, very obtuse, or sub-truncate. The number 
of principal laminae, ten: the first triangular, emarginate; the small pair between the 
nostrils roundish, with one straight side; the next pair larger, of similar form, a little 
pointed ; the central lamina of the three between the eyes, shield-form, acuminate, the 
lateral, conical; the last large pair, rudely semi-cordate, truncate: the rest of the head covered 
with small sub-orbicular scales. 
The mouth not large ; the jaws nearly of equal length. The teeth in the lower jaw 
II * * HI ' 1 hHIH 
W I® II 'Kill il'lMI. I'l 
* See Section VII. Case il. 
