\ 
markings of blackifh. Befides thefe there is a number 
of black fpots of different fizes here and there difperfed 
over the whole fnake. The tail is fomewhat thin and 
fliort in proportion to the body. The fcales of this 
fnake are harfh and ftiff, and are very ftrongly carinated. 
The head is covered with fmall fcales, and is on its 
upper part marked by a very large longitudinal patch 
of brown, running out into pointed proceffes at the 
fides, and bounded by a fpace of dull lead-colour or 
cinereous. The fhape of the head is broad and flat¬ 
tened : the cheeks are varied with blackifh and yellow. 
It feems to have been taken at a period not far aiftant 
from that of cafting its fkin; as the exterior fcales fepa- 
rate eafily from the fubjacent ones, which then appear 
of a clearer and lighter colour than before, and the yel- 
lowifli variegations on the fides and belly approach to a 
whitifh colour, with darkifh fpots and marks. This 
fnake is fuppofed to be a native of the interior parts of 
Africa, and was obtained from the mafter of a Guinea 
veffel by the Rev. Edward Jenkins of Charles-Town, 
South Carolina, by whom it was lately prefented to the 
Britifh Mufeum. 
