4S 
AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 
Tlie geographical distribution of this species appears to be restricted 
to the eastern districts; specimens were obtained in 1857 on the Murray 
River, and the single example in the Museum collection is a present from 
fm. Macleay, Esq., E.L.S., who received it from Port Denison. 
BSA.GH:irSOIA:A. Gunther. 
Body and tail moderate, rounded ; head depressed, with flat crown 
and broad muzzle, obtuse in front; posterior frontal replacing the loreal, 
in contact with two labials ; one anterior, two posterior oculars; one or 
two nasals. Scales smooth, short, large, in fifteen or seventeen rows; 
anal bifid; subcaudals two-rowed. Grooved fang in front; a series of 
smaller equal teeth behind. 
Scarlet-spotted Snake. Brachysoma diadema. 
(Plate XII, fig. 12.) 
Calamaria diadema, Schley. Ess., II, p. 35. 
Elaps omata, Gray, Zool. Mdse., p. 55. 
Brachy soma diadema, J Witz., Syst. Bept., p. 25. 
Eurina diadema, Bum. Bihr., p. 1239. 
Babdiou occipitale, Girard, U.S., Explor. Exp. Bept., p. 120. 
Grlyphodou ornatus, Gnthr., Colubr. Snakes, p. 210. 
Brachysoma diadema, Gnthr., Ann. and Mag. Nat. Mist., vol. 11, 3rd series, p. 23. 
Dr. Gunther remarks :—“ I have formerly confounded this snake 
with Furina bimaculata , D. & B. The genus which has been characterized 
by myself with the name of Glyphodon is valid, but must bear the name 
of Brachysoma; whilst for Brachysoma , Gnthr., the name of Furina , 
D. & B., may be substituted.” The following description is given by 
Dr. Gunther:— 
Scales in 15 rows. 
Two anal plates. 
Abdominals, 188 to 198. 
Subcaudals, 46/46. 
Length of cleft of mouth, | inch. 
Tail, 3/ inches. 
Total length, 24 inches. 
