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HARVARD UNIVERSITY.

LIBRARY

OF THE

MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

Library of
SAMUEL GARMAN

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JUN8 1929 ^i

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Fig. 1. — Diagram showing method of cutting out

bitten part.

Fig. 2. — Diagram showing method of applying

hgatures.

Treatment of Snake=Bite.

Recommended ly the Board of Health.

A ligature, that is, a strong string, tape, narrow strip
of clothing or handkerchief, should be tied at once
round the limb above the bitten part. When it has
been tied, pass a piece of stick under it, and twist it
round and round, so as to screw up the ligature as
tightly as you can. Leave the stick in the twisted
ligature, and secure the end by another string, as shown
in the figure (2). Great pain and swelling are caused
by this, but cannot be avoided.

At the end of half-an-hour, undo the ligature for
five minutes ; then tie and screw up again. At the
end of another half-hour, the ligature may be removed
altogether.

In places where a ligature cannot be tied, as on the
neck or face, pinch up the bittten part between the
finger and thumb, and cut it out (Figure 1).

In any case the bitten part should be cut into by
numerous little cuts over and around the bites for
about half an inch around, and sucked by the mouth
freely and perseveringly ; and this can be done without
danger by any person.

Stimulants, such as brandy, whisky, gin, rum, in
small quantities at a time (a few teaspoonfuls), or strong
tea or coffee, or wine, may be given if the patient be
faint.

Do no more to the patient than is advised above,
but obtain the services of a medical man.

* 'Adder's fork, and blind- worm's sting."

— Macbeth, Act iv., Scene i.

A

POPULAR ACCOUNT

OF

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES

WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF THE SPECIES AND

AN INTRODUCTION TO THEIR HABITS

AND ORGANISATION.

BY

EDGAE E, WAITE, P.L.S.,

ZOOLOGIST, AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM,
SYDNEY.

ILLUSTRATED WITH SIXTEEN COLORED PLATES AND
NUMEROUS FIGURES IN THE TEXT,
BF THE AUTHOR.

SYDNKY

THOMAS SHINE, 84 Elizabeth Street

1898.

COPYRIGHT
THOMAS SHINE.

W R, MacliArdy & Co., General Printers, Lithographers,

AND Bookbinders,
315 Kent Street, Sydney.

lU-

PREFACE.

npHE only work which, to the time of its pnb-
lication, 30 years ago, deals exclusively and
exhaustively with the subject, is Krefft's admirable
" Snakes of Australia." This book is out of print,
and, in consequence of additions to the known
fauna, also out of date.

The present publication is not intended to be
exhaustive, nor does it aim at replacing its more
pretentious and expensive predecessor. It deals in
a popular manner with the better known snakes,
both venomous and harmless, and colored illustrations
and figures in the text of such are furnished.
The names, distribution, and dimensions only of the
lesser known species are given, as a more detailed
account would swell the pages beyond the scope
of the book. Some account of the habits and
organisation of snakes in general will be found in
part I.

As indicating the progress made in our know-
ledge during the past 30 years, it may be men-
tioned that whereas Krefft recorded 21 innocuous
and 42 venomous land snakes, the figures of to-
day, as shown in the following pages, are 31 and 62
respectively, the proportion being exactly maintained ;
the number of sea snakes has been reduced from
15 to 12.
Sydney, October, 1898. E.R.W.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Part I.- Snakes in General.

Locomotion ... ... .,, ... 13

Venom ... ... ... ... ... 18

Venomous and Harmless Snakes... ... 20

Food and Reproduction ... ... ... 24

Uses of Snakes ... ... ... ... 26

Enemies of Snakes ... ... ... 27

Popular and Scientific Names ... .. 28

Technical Terms ... ... ... 31

Part XL— Australian Snakes.

Blind Snakes ... ... ... ... 33

Pythons and Rock Snakes ... ... 36

Colubrine Snakes ... ... .. 40

Harmless Colubrine Snakes ... ... 40

Aquatic AND Nocturnal Colubrine Snakes 43

Venomous Colubrine Snakes ... ... 45

Venomous Land Snakes ... ... ... 46

Sea Snakes ... ... ... ... 67

Part L

SNAKES IN GENERAL.

npHE Australian Slow Worms, or Scale-footed Lizards
(family Pygopodidce), are nearly always mistaken
for snakes, and so treated. The limbs, of which only a
single pair is developed, are so small and pressed so
closely to the body, as to be unnoticed unless specially
sought for. These limbs are not used in progression,
and when moving through grass, over soil or on low
bushes, the slow worm looks remarkably like a snake.

A typical lizard, with its four well-developed legs,
each provided with five toes, and its distinct head, body
and tail, cannot possibly be confounded with a typical
snake wherein limbs are entirely absent and the head
passes into the neck, thence imperceptibly into body
and tail. As, however, there are lizards without legs
and snakes with at least rudiments of them, it is clear
that other features will have to be looked for in order
to distinguish the two kinds of reptiles.

Snakes and lizards agree in many particulars.
The scales which cover the body may be outwardly
indistinguishable and may approximate in color.

10 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Snakes have one lung developed, largely at tlie
expense of the other. While in the great majority
of lizards they are of equal size ; rarely one of
the lungs is aborted. Most snakes swallow their
prey whole, and the jaws are specially distensible
to permit of this ; some, which consume only
small fry, have this peculiarity in slight degree, and
in such respect resemble lizards. It has been mentioned
that certain snakes possess rudiments of limbs ; they
^re visible outside the body in the form of small spurs,
and internally there may be not only a leg bone but
traces of the pelvis also. Such snakes, therefore, have
something in common with those lizards wlierein the
limbs are reduced to a single pair, and tliose very
rudimentary. Lizards, however, approach much more
nearly the typical legless snakes, for some are without
the slightest external trace of limbs, and are thus very
snake-like indeed. In such, the head and neck are
indistinguishable, and from above, no indication of the
•division into body and tail exists. Taking all these
factors into consideration, it would appear to be difficult
to give absolute distinguishing characters.

Snakes cannot wink ; they have no eyelids,
members with which (and again we must qualify
the sentence) the great majority of lizards are amply
provided, nor can they cast off their tails like geckos
and some other lizards. One cannot find the ear-
opening of a snake ; it is concealed beneath a scale,

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 11

most lizards have the ear fully ex[)Osecl. Snakes can
withdraw their long forked tongues wholly within a
sheath situated in the floor of the mouth, and liere we
liave such a feature as we seek, for there is no such
sheath in lizards, the tongue being attached in the
more usual manner. In all lizards the two bones
forming the lower jaw are firmly united in front,
whereas in snakes the nnion is an elastic substance
which allows the bones to be widely separated ; the
bones of the upper jaw are in certain snakes also
distensible, and the junction of the lower jaw with the
skull is not so direct, the quadrate bone being specially
developed and having much more play than in lizards.
The object of these cranial peculiarities is to enable a
snake to swallow a larger animal than would otherwise
^nter the mouth, for mastication, properly so-called, is
not performed. Speaking of bony characters, it may
be mentioned that there are an enormous number of
vertebrae, or separate bones, in the spinal column, and
that each is provided with a ball at one end and a cup
at the other, into which the ball of the preceding
vertebra exactly fits ; the snake is thus enabled to twist
and turn itself about without fear of dislocating its spine.

The scales which cover the body are not true scales,
that is, they are not separate structures like, say, the
scales of a fish, and cannot be plucked out. The outer
skin is thrown into regular folds or pleats, and the
exposed portions are provided with horny plates.

12 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

It is the pleated condition of the scales which
enables the snake to cast its outer skin, a process known
as sloughing. If each scale was a separate structure
this would not be possible, and in a slough the
scales do not overlap, due to the straightening out of
the skin ; the length of a slough is therefore greater
than that of the snake from which it was cast, and
presents the appearance of a thin membrane studded
with regular, but slightly separated, scales. On the
head the scaling usually takes the form of large
symmetrical plates, which are, however, not imbricate,
but arranged side by side so tliat in a cast skin they
present exactly the appearance they did when on the
snake. It is, therefore, in many cases, possible to
determine the species from the slough alone. In a
healthy snake the skin is usually cast whole ; the head
is first freed and the slough is drawn inside out as
the snake disrobes ; the tail is, however, frequently
slipped out, in which case the slough of that member
retains its original aspect.

The slough includes a thin, transparent covering
from the eye, this retains its position in the cast skin and
the only openings in the slough are those naturally of
the body. It has been stated that as the new skin
forms beneath the old one, the eye becomes dull and
opaque, and the snake is blind for a few days at this
time. Having several times watched this process of
sloughing, it did not seem to me that the subject was

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 13

much affected in sight ; the actual operation, as far as
the head is concerned, when once commenced, was
always speedy.

Locomotion.

Locomotion is usually associated with certain
external organs specially adapted for such purpose, as
arms, legs, wings, fins, etc. Snakes, however, have
none of these, and to those unacquainted with their
anatomy, the rapid movements are difficult of ex-
planation. Pliny, *' the wisest of men," admitted that
the actions of serpents were beyond his comprehension.
Snakes have an enormous number of vertebra3, or bones
in the back, most of which (the exceptions being portion
of the tail bones) carry each a pair of ribs. Each pair
IS attached below to one of the broad, transverse ventral,
or belly plates, and it is mainly by means of such plates
that the snake moves. The free edges of these plates
are directed backwards, and catch the slightest pro-
jection of the ground : while a portion of tlie body is
thus held, a part in front is thrust out and similarly
attached, the hinder portion is next drawn forward.
If this was all, the effect would be identical with the
progression of a worm, and would need a telescopic
power which the plates do not possess. It is well-known
that the track of a snake is sinuous, and the motion lias
been thus described by Dr. Giinther : — *' Although
their motions are in general very quick, and may be

l4 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

adapted to every variation of ground over which
they move, yet all the varieties of their locomotion are
founded on the following simple process. When a
part of their body has found some projection of the
ground which affords it a point of support, the ribs,
alternately of one and the other side, are drawn more
closely together, thereby producing alternate bends of
the body on the corresponding side. The hinder
portion of the body being drawn after, some part of it
finds another support on the rough ground or a
projection ; and the anterior bends being stretched in a
straight line, the front part of the body is propelled in
consequence. During this, peculiar kind of locomotion
the numerous broad shields of the belly are of great
advantage, as, by means of the free edges of those
shields, tliey are enabled to catch the smallest projections
on the ground which may be used as points of support.
A pair of ribs correspond to each of these ventral
shields. The snakes are not able to move over a
perfectly smooth surface." The smooth surface does
not mean a boarded floor, or even one covered with
oilcloth, for I have found that snakes progress tolerably
well, but not so rapidly, on this substance as on the bare
ground. On a glass sheet, however, which is without
projections, a snake is helpless, as far as progression is
concerned — its movements then consist of what has
been termed " rapid wriggles," and may be likened
to the peculiar motions of the mosquito larva, or
rather the Bloodworm (^Chironomus), in water, When

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 15

passing through thick grass it is probable that
tlie belly shields play but a small part in progression :
the snake moves in quick, sinuous curves, and loco-
motion is effected as in swimming, the grass affording
the resistance which in aquatic progression is supplied
by the water. The movements of snakes are so rapid
that no one unaccustomed to these reptiles can form
any idea of their agility. You may be holding one in
your hand, when, almost before you are conscious of it,
it has thrown two or three coils round your arm without
you being able to realise how the trick was done ; or it
may as suddenly uncoil, and, as the writer once ex-
perienced, have passed its tail up your coat sleeve, and
be half-way down your back with equal speed and facility.
" Except flying," wrote the late Professor Huxley,
"there is no limit to their locomotion."

The progression of a snake on land will now be
understood ; but let us consider the case of a tree snake
traversing a slender branch. If rounded, the smallest
possible portion of the belly of the snake would be in
contact with the branch, a condition that would na
doubt render rapid movement impossible. The con-
formation of the tree snakes is therefore specially
adapted for an arboreal life, and may be more fully
considered. The green tree snake of Australia will form
an excellent example for study : on examining this
common species it will be seen that the belly does not
form an even curve, as in most snakes, but presents two

16 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

ridges, one on each side, running the length of the
body. These ridges are formed by each of the belly
plates having a sutiire-like keel, there being also a
corresponding notch. When the belly is applied to a
branch, the central portion hollows slightly and adapts
itself to the cnrvatnre of the branch, while the keels
of the plates are applied as footholds, and enable the
snake to control its movements with exactitude.

Another feature of the tree snakes is their great
length and slender proportions ; this enables them
to pass from branch to branch, often far apart, and also
to dart through small spaces, interlaced twigs, etc., in
search of birds' eggs and young.

In addition to being slender they are extremely
active, and the branches scarcely bend beneath their
weight as they glide along. Many of them also have
long, prehensile tails, and as they can suspend them-
selves by the terminal inch, the whole length of the body
is free to swing in the air or investigate a neighbouring
object.

The blind snakes, of which there are a large
number in Australia, live wholly underground ; and their
method of locomotion being specially adapted to their
surroundings, may also be studied. The scales of these
snakes are highly polished, so as to offer but little
resistance to their passage through the soil. But,
having no large belly plates with projecting edges, it
will be evident that without further aid, progression

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 17

svoiild be diflficult ; such aid is furnished by the tail.
This member is very short, often no longer than the
body is thick, and is provided with a horny, thorn-like
point directed downwards. On being pressed against
the ground, this thorn provides the necessary point of
resistance.

Another modification of the same condition is to be
found in earth snakes from the Philippine Islands, in
which the tail terminates in a disc or sliield, its
truncated appearance suggesting that the snake had
been chopped in halves.

Land snakes, as above-mentioned, have their lower
surfaces covered with large transverse plates instead of
scales, and it is the edges of these plates catching
against the inequalities of the ground which offer the
necessary resistance during progression. As sea snakes
move by means of the tail alone, abdominal plates are
not necessary, and are consequently absent, excepting in
one genus. These plates are replaced by scales, similar
to those found on other parts of the body, but different
from the scales of the land snakes. Instead of being
imbricate, or overlapping like slates on a roof, they are
usually laid side by side, and are smooth and highly
polished, thus offering the slightest possible resistance
to the progression of the snake. They are generally
six-sided and vary much in size ; sometimes they
are slightly keeled and, in certain genera, the imbrication
has not been entirely lost, for we must look upon the

18 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

sea snakes as descendents from land snakes ; the fresh-
water species forming a natural and intermediate link in
the chain. Instead of presenting the familiar rounded
form, the body of a sea snake is compressed or flattened
at the sides ; like such rapidly moving fish as lierrings,
and more especially ribbon fish. The resemblance is
furtlier heightened by the belly being ridged like the
keel of a boat.

Another peculiarity, and that most modified for
aquatic progression is to be found in the tail : instead of
being rounded, as in other snakes, it is compressed or
vertically flattened, like tliat of an eel ; a feature which
enables the snake to move through the water with
rapidity. It has, in fact, become transformed into a fin,
and has precisely the property possessed by the tail of
a fish, and of an eel in particular.

Venom.

Watching a living snake under glass, at say the
Zoological Gardens, its most noticeable feature is a
delicate forked object frequently thrust, with a quivering
motion, out of the mouth, and rapidly withdrawn. This
is its tongue, and is used as an investigating member,
testing the nature and quality of everything with which
it comes into contact. To the popular mind, however,
it is a " sting," a death-dealing weapon, so regarded in
spite of all that has been written on the subject. The

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 19

explanation, doubtless, is that snakes being generally
regarded as creatures to be seduously avoided, much of
this sentiment has attached itself to the literature of the
subject, and, in consequence, it is unread, or, if scanned,
soon forgotten. A little observation and reflection
would elicit the fact that the so regarded " sting " is
possessed by both the venomous and harmless snakes,
and is used in identical manner by both kinds. It is
the fangs or modified teeth which make the wound and
convey the venom thereinto; they lie hidden away in the
mouth, and are never seen by visitors to the " Zoo."

The tail also of some species has been accorded a
share of evil import. Old writers have assigned the
most marvellous properties to the tail of some snakes.
" The Horn Snake," we are told, " carries a sharp horn in
its tail, with which it assaults anything that offends it
with such force that it will strike its tail into the butt
end of a musket, whence it is not able to disengage
itself." We further read — that the tail not only mortally
wounds men and other animals, "but, if by chance stuck
into a tree, the tree instantly withers and turns black
and dies." Few people now-a-days seriously believe
that such things could be, yet we are not infrequently
asked if the Death Adder " stings with its tail or its
tongue." This question is put with some show of
reason, for the snake has a thorn-like spine at the end
of its tail, whose function is probably to aid in
progression.

20 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Venomous and Harmless Snakes.

..••••«i

•»»

Fig. 1.

FiCx. 2.

Fig. 1. — Skull of venomous snake, showing poison
fang and two bite-marks.

Fig. 2. — Skull of harmless snake, showing even row of
teeth and many bite-marks.

Speaking with an expert on Snakes, the question
invariably asked is, " How can yon distinguish a
venomous snake from a harmless one ? " This being
so, and, as the subject is one of no small importance in
such a snake-infested country as Australia, some notice
of the matter may be acceptable here.

Certain wise persons have their own special methods
by which they profess to distinguish the venomous and
innocuous snakes at a glance. Some will judge by the
relative width of the head, maintaining that those
species which have wide heads are venomous ; while
those in which the head scarcely exceeds the width of
the body, are harmless. Others will have it that if the
line of the mouth is curved, the snake is dangerous ;

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 21

if straiglit, no hanii will follow its bite. Again, and
with more reason, it is affirmed that a venomous snake
has only one scale (the loreal) between the nostril and
the eye ; while a non-venomous snake has two or more
such scales. Another, perhaps, somewhat of a wag,
remarks that if a person bitten by a snake dies (that is,
within a reasonable period), the snake is a venomous one.
This, however, is by no means infaUible, for several
instances are on record of persons having died from
fright, induced by the bite of a harmless reptile. Our
venomous snakes have six upper labial plates ; while
the harmless ones have seven or more.

Let me say, at once, that there is no ready
method of distinguishing the two kinds. An intimate
knowledge of the appearance of the venomous species
is the only reliable way of determining them at a
glance. Such will scarcely serve to show, in a
rapidly moving snake, whether the head is, or is not,
wider than the body ; what the line of the mouth may
be, or whether it possesses one or more loreal scales.
When it may be too late, an examination of a «!nake-
inflicted wound will reveal its nature.

If only two punctures appear, a certain distance
apart (thus • - ), the snake is, in all probability,

a venomous one. The wounds inflicted by a non-
venomous snake, consist of two rows of parallel
punctures — six, eight, or more, in number, as shown
in the foregoing illustration. Tliis does not apply to the

22 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Sea Snakes, all of which are venomous, and produce
many punctures, as with the harmless land snakes.

It does not follow that hecause we know a snake
when adult, that we necessarily recognise the same
species when young. The Australian Brown Snake
furnishes us with an admirable illustration of this. The
adult snake is usually uniform brown above ; but, when
young, it is alternately banded with brown and white
(see Plate 8), and at various stages of growth
presents such a different appearance that it has received
many names ; the identity with previously described
specimens being unsuspected.

Another source of misunderstanding is furnished
by the altered aspect of a snake immediately after casting
its skin. A person unfamiliar with, say, the Brown Snake,
in all its phases, seeing it just before the change took
place, might fail to recognise it after the operation was
concluded.

In order to render the recognition of these snakes
the more certain and easy, specimens of the venomous
species, accurately identified, should be prominently
exhibited in every town and settlement in Australia,
supplemented by the life-size colored illustrations,
prepared by the publisher of this little book, posted at
the railway stations, and hung in schools and elsewhere.

Medical men, in particular, should make themselves
acquainted with the properties of our snakes, and in
this connection let me say a word. I have, myself,

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 23

known two cases wliere doctors liave treated patients
for bites of harmless species, with the dead reptile before
them — one a Diamond and the other a Tree Snake.

Under such circumstances, the remedies applied
ma}^ be, in themselves, a source of danger. Medical
men, chemists, and other persons, of whom assistance
might be solicited, should, therefore, make a special
point of knowing tlie hurtful snakes. If the offending
reptile is not exhibited, the operator would be guided by
an examination of the wound, the characteristics of
which have been indicated. The behaviour of the
person bitten, although usually indicative, should not
be wholly relied upon, as people bitten by harmless
snakes have been known to exhibit many of the
f^ymptoms of snake poisoning, induced by fear.

For immediate reference, instructions for the
treatment of snake-bite have been printed at the
commencement of the book.

The chopping off of a finger, a by no means
uncommon bush "remedy," may be productive of
greater harm than the disease sought to be cured ; and
I know of one man who can exhibit a bottle containing
one of his fingers, and the snake which bit it, a
perfectly harmless reptile.

The notoriously evil character of snakes renders
any advice as to deahng with these reptiles superfluous.
As with most others things, however, familiarity breeds
contempt. During the season I have many snakes

24 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

passing through my liands daily, and, although^
always exercising due care, I once unwittingly nearly
came to grief. A box was forwarded to me bearing
the label *' Green Tree Snake," taking a peep inside I
saw that the occupant was one of these harmless
reptiles, and at once threw open the hd, and was taking
out the snake, when from below darted a Black Snake,
one of our deadly species. It was but a moment's
work to seize and secure it ; but since that time I have
opened packages with even more care.

A distinction must be made between the venomous,
and what I call the deadly snakes. Of the latter, there
are only five common species, they are : —

1. Brown Snake {Diemenia textilis). Plate 8.

2. Black Snake (^Fseudechis ^jorphyriacus).

Plate 9.

3. Superb Snake (^Denisonia superha). Plate 10.
•±. Tiger Snake (^Notecliis scututus). Plate 13.

5. Death Adder (^Acanthophis antarctica).
Plate 14.

Food and Reproduction.

Many different kinds of living animals fall a prey
to snakes ; insects are eaten by Blind Snakes and some
of the smaller venomous kinds. Frogs form food for
most snakes ; the Hylas are particularly unfortunate,

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 25-

being pursued among the trees by the Tree Snakes, and
in the water by Water Snakes, and the Black Snake.
These latter also seek out the aquatic lizards of the
genera Physignathus and Egernia. Land lizards
are favorites, and are often to be obtained from the
stomachs of the Tiger, Brown, and such other snakes
as frequent dry and sunny places. Birds and their
eggs are devoured by Tree Snakes and Pythons, the
former are also partial to geckos ; while quadrupeds,
such as small Wallabies, Rat Kangaroos, Bandicoots,
and Opossums especially, fall victims to Pythons and
Rock Snakes. Flying Foxes, as they hang in clusters
from the trees, are not infrequently caught by these
large reptiles. Fishes and marine animals of various
kinds supply the wants of the Sea Snakes.

As befits their peculiar, lengthened body, nearly all
the internal organs are elongated ; this applies also to
the eggs, those produced by some species being three
times as long as broad. Eggs are produced by most of
our harmless snakes, namely : the Blind Snakes, the
Fresh Water Snake, Tree Snakes, both Green and
Brown, and the Pythons, which latter are specially
interesting from the fact that they incubate their eggs,
30 or so in number, and are the only snakes known
to do so. The members of the genus Diemenia, includ-
ing the deadly Brown Snake, and the Whip Snake,
also produce eggs, a habit common to some, probably
all, species of the genera Bhynchelaps and Pseudelaps.

26 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

With these known exceptions, the venomous
snakes (tlie Water Snakes and Sea Snakes included),
produce their young alive, sometimes in great numbers.
Thus the Tiger and Superb Snakes produce each 30 or
more ; half this number appears to be the complement of
the Death Adder ; while I have not known more tlian
ten to the Black-backed Snake. The Black Snake and
the Black-bellied Snake each bring forth 20 young
ones. Mnch, however, is still to be learned on this and
other matters affectinsf our snakes.

Uses of Snakes

Of what use are snakes ? is an oft-asked question.
Such a question implies the dictum that all things were
specially " created " for the use of man, and without
going into the ethics of the question, it may be stated,
as an axiom, that if a snake can live, move, and re-
plenish the earth with its species, it will do so without
in any way considering its utility ; and snakes are by
no means the only creatures who live for themselves
alone. However, to speak in a more practical way,
snakes do play a part in the economy of nature : they
unwittingly assist in keeping in check many other forms
which if permitted to increase beyond certain bounds,
might become a plague, as for example, mice, frogs,
lizards, etc. ; had we more Blind Snakes we might liave
less white ants. On the other hand, snakes serve as food
for many animals and birds, which may be more con-
veniently treated as enemies.

.AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 27

Enemies of Snakes.

Tlie Mungoose, of India, is a born enemy of snakes,
and altliongh experiments liave proved that this animal
is by no means " snake proof," it seklom gets the worst
of the encounter ; quick as is a snake, it is no match
for a mungoose, wliich avoids every stroke of its
iidversary by extreme agility, and generally succeeds in
killing its victim. In Africa also, another notorious
snake-pestered country, there is a natural enemy in the
person of the Secretary Vulture. This bird, well out of
harms way, on its stilt-like legs, and armed with stout
beak and powerful stroke-dealing wings, seldom fails to
despatch even the largest snake. Feral pigs, or in
other words, domestic pigs, which have escaped super-
vision and become wild, are credited with destroying
snakes, and as such pigs are plentiful in some parts of
the Australian continent, they may be of service in this
respect. In the valley of the Oregon, snakes have been
■exterminated by the domestic pig, and in pnrts of India
these animals have frequently been observed searching
for and eating cobras.

In Australia, the indigenous enemy of snakes is
the Laughing Jackass {Dacelo giganteus). This fam-
iliar bird, wisely protected by our legislature, as is the
Secretary Vulture by the Cape Government, is an expert
snake killer, and possesses a powerful weapon in its
formidable beak ; with this it quickly breaks the back
of its victim, and so renders it incapable of active move-

28 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

ment. Watching the Jackasses in my own avaries, I
have noticed a feature which I liave not seen remarked
upon. When food is thrown to one of these birds it.
swoops from its percli and does not check the impetus
gained until it has secured its prey, in otlier words the
frog or lizard is seized before the feet touch the ground.
Such a habit must be of great advantage to the bird
when attacking a snake, and leaves the reptile, quick
though it may be, less chance than if its enemy alighted
beside it before making its stroke. The Goana, or Lace
Lizard (^Vai-anus), is another snake destroyer ; one, L
disturbed, had been munching a Whip Snake.

Popular and Scientific Names.

When speaking of snakes by their common names,,
it is often of the highest importance to know what
species is referred to, for some snakes are known by
different names in the various colonies, and even in
different parts of the same colony. For example, the-
Diamond Snake of Tasmania (^Denisonia superba)
is in Victoria called the Copper-headed Snake ; and in
New South Wales, the Superb or Large-scaled Snake..
This snake, it must be remembered, is eminently
venomous, and as dangerous as any Australian species.
The Diamond Snake of the continent (^Python spilotesy
is, on the other hand, a totally different reptile, and
perfectly harmless ; this confusion of names is, there-
fore, most misleading.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 29

Again, the re23tile known in some parts of Tasmania
as the Carpet Snake, and in others as the Black Snake,
is neither our harmless Carpet Snake nor our venomous
Black Snake, but the equally or more deadly Tiger
Snake of the continent, also known as the Brown-banded
Snake. Those persons who, through ignorance, pooh-
pooh the use of scientific names, may here receive a
conclusive answer to the question : " Why do you
naturalists put Latin or Greek names to your specimens ?
Why not write them in plain English alone ? "

How could we expect a foreign naturalist to under-
stand of what snake we wrote, when, even among our-
selves, we have four names for the same reptile, some of
which are also applied to totally different species ?

Scientifically, the Tiger Snake is known as Kotechis
scutatus, and, under this name, could be found and
identified by naturalists all over the world. There is a
Black Snake in America, another in Africa, and others
in other parts of the world ; but there is only one
Pseudechis poiyhyriacus, and that is the Black Snake
of Australia.

Speaking of technical names, I must admit that
snakes, in common with other animals, have frequently
had two, three, or even more scientific names applied to
them : this arises from unavoidable causes, and as soon
as the anomaly is discovered the duplicate names are
discarded.

30 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Whenever common names are in use, such have
been adopted in the following pages. As, however,
there are some snakes which have not received popular
designation, suitable names have been supplied for the
general reader. Such can, however, never take the
place of technical or exact terms, and are liable to abuse.

It is the practice of some writers to reject popular
names in universal use and substitute new ones of their
own invention. To supply an appropriate name for a
species not previously recognised is legitimate and
laudable ; but to ignore an existing name and sub-
stitute a new one without the slightest justification is
not only misleading, but is a practice to be strongly
condemned.

Here is a case in point : one author states that
there are three Death Adders in Australia, namely : —
The purplish, the short, and the spine-tailed Death
Adders. The author of the article has given us
the scientific terms of the snakes for which he
has (for some unexplained reason, or for no reason
at all) invented these names. The Australian bush-
man would be incredulous if he were informed that
his Black Snake was to be called the purplish Death
Adder, that his Tiger Snake (or Brown-banded Snake)
was henceforth to be known as the short Death Adder,
and that his common Death Adder was to be dis-
tinguished as the spine-tailed Death Adder, in order
that it might not be confounded with the other two.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 31

If the author was ignorant of the Australian names of
these snakes, he might he excused, but he was not. Of
his purplish Death Adder he writes : " Generally known
to the settlers bj the name of Black Snake." Further
comment is unnecessary, for if he or anyone else gave a
thousand new names, this snake would still remain the
Black Snake of Australia.

Technical Terms.

Apart from their osteological or bony features, the
characters usually used in the classification and deter-
mination of snakes are : the relative size and disposition
of the head shield, tiie number and peculiarities of the
ventral or belly plates, and of the sub-caudal or lower
tail scales, and the entire or divided condition of the
anal plate. Although full technical details would be
out of keeping and beyond the scope of the present
popular publication, it has been thought advisable to
give, under each species, a formula* denoting (S.) rows
of scales around the middle of the body ; (Y.) number
of ventrals ; (A.l single, or A. 2 divided) character of the
anal ; and (S.C.) number of sub-caudal plates.

As my readers may at times find it useful to be
able to refer to terms used in teclmical descriptions, the
following diagrams and explanation have been prepared :

* Compiled from the Catalogue of Snakes iu the
British Museum.

52

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

pf: P

S.O P

C .S V,R

AP

S.C.

R. KOSTRAL.

K. Nasals.

I.N. Internasals.

P.F. Prefrontals.

F. Frontal.

S.O. Supraoculars.

P.O Preoculars.

Pst. 0. POSTOCULARS.

p. Parietals.

T. Temporals.

U.L. Upper Labials.

L.L. Lower Labials,

C.S. Chin Shields.

y.P. Ventral Plates.

A. P. Anal Plate.

S.C. Sub-caudals.

The anal plate and the sub-caiidals: are sometimes

entire and sometimes divided, the latter character being
shown in the cut.

Part II.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

BLIND SNAKES.
Family TYPHLOPIDjE.

Not infrequently disturbed in the ground by spade,
lioe, or plough ; these harmless little snakes are often
mistaken for worms, and are sometimes called blind
worms. They are round bodied reptiles, with a short,
indistinct heaj, and short tail, which latter terminates
in a thorn-like point, used mainly in progression. The
hinder is generally thicker than tlie front portion
of the body, the whole of which is covered with highly-
polished scales, so as to offer slight resistance to their
progress in the earth. The head is usually covered
with large plates ; and the eyes are almost, or quite
hidden, each by a large scale ; hence, as both their
scientific and common names indicate, they are, perhaps,
incapable of distinguishing much more than light from
dark. The eye has probably degenerated, owing to
disuse, such an organ being of little avail in subterranean
existence. These snakes cannot stretch their mouths ;
they have no teeth in the lower jaw; and there are
vestiges of Jiind limbs hidden beneath the skin ; there
■are no enlarged scales on the lower surface of the body,

34 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

as usual with most snakes ; consequently, progression is
performed in a modified manner, and is largely aided bj
tile thorn-like scale in wliich the tail terminates, a
feature more fnlly mentioned in part I. (page 17).

Blind snakes feed chiefly, if not exclusively, upon
insects, and, as they destroy numbers of " white ants "
(Ter7mtes), and their eggs, they are to be encouraged,
more especially as they are perfectly harmless and
absolutely inofTensive. Nineteen Australian species are
known ; they are all of similar color, being grey above
and flesh tint below ; and while some are proportionately
longer than others, they are generally so very similar
that their determination is a matter of great difficulty.
As the several species can be identified only by a
specialist on the group, it follows that popular names
would be of no value whatever, and althougli Krefft
used such for the few species with which he dealt, I
have, in this family, given the scientific names only.
Typhlops polygrammicus appears to be the com-
monest species in New South Wales, T. australis,
in South Australia, and T. hituherculalus, in Queens-
land. The Victorian Tyjyhlops have not yet been
technically examined.

The following is a list of all the species described,
together with their maximum size and habitat in
Australia, as far as known : —
^xi T. guentheri, Peters. Northern Australia ; length,

5J inches.

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 35

T. lencoproctus, Boiilenger. Queensland ; length,

8| inches.
T. ligatus, Peters. Queensland and New ISouth

AVales ; length, 10 inches.
2\ torresianus^ Boulenger. Queensland ; length,

1 foot 4 inches.
T. 2Jolygrammicus^ Schlegel. Queensland and New

South Wales ; lengtli, 2 feet 4 inches.

Blind Snake.

Typhlops proximus, Waite.
Plate 1.

Queensland, New South AVales, and Victoria :

length, 1 foot 4 inches.
T. regime, Boulenger. Queensland; lengtli, 1 foot

4 inches.
2\ australis, Gray. South, West, and Central ■

Australia ; length, 10| inches.
T. wiedii, Peters. Queensland and New Soutli /=■

Wales ; length, 11^ inches.
2\ batillus, Waite. New South Wales ; length,

9 inches.
7'. curvirostris, Peters. North-western Australia k

and Queensland ; length, 8j inches.

36

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

T. bilubercitlatus, Peters. Queensland, New South

Wales, South and Central Australia ;

length, 12J inches.
'-^y T. unguirostris^ Peters. North-western Australia,

Queensland, New South Wales, West,

South, and Central Australia : len2:tlK

1 foot o inches.
7\ waitii, Boulenger. Queensland ; length, 1 foot

8 inches.
T. affinis, Boulenger. Queensland ; length, 6|

inches.
T. pinguis, Waite. South Australia ; length,

1 foot 2 inches.
7\ oIivaceus,Gvaj. North-west Australia; length,

1 foot 4 inches.
y. divei'sus, Waite. Queensland; length, 8| inches.
T. nigricauda, Boulenger. Northern and Western

Australia ; length, 12^- inches.

PYTHONS and ROCK SNAKES.

Family BOID.^,

Among the largest of snakes, the Pythons are
fortunately harmless. They are night-loving, and
wlien found in daylight are usually at rest. The eggs
of snakes are generally hatched by the heat of the sun,
or by that produced by decaying matter among which
they may be deposited. The eggs of Pythons require
more warmth, and this is supplied by the parent snake,

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AUSTRALIAN SNAlvES. 37

wlio incubates them by coiling lier body around them,
her own temperature being raised during the period ;
this condition is sometimes maintained for nearly two
months. These reptiles are further interesting from
the fact that they have vestiges of hind limbs, which
show through the skin as two small spurs, one on
each side of the vent. These spurs are the external
terminations of certain rudimentary bones, which
represent all that remains of the pelvic members, as
developed in the lizards, for example. The Pythons
feed upon animals, first crushing them to death between
their powerful coils, and swallowing them by an
extremely slow process, generally head first. If the
prey is of large size, probably not more than three or
four meals are made in a year ; while food is not taken
and animation is suspended during hibernation in the
colder months.

The following are the Australian representatives
of the family : —

Common Rock Snake.

Liasis childreni, Gray.

S. 41-45, V. 257-287, A.l, S.C. 38-53.

Northern, and North-eastern Australia ; length,14 feet.

Brown Rock Snake.

Liasis fusGUs J Peters.

S. 47-49, V. 275-291, A.l, S.C. 65-72.

Northern Australia ; length,14 feet 6 inches.

38 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Green Rock Snake.

Liasis olivaceus, Gray.

S. G9-75, V. 349-361, A.l, S.C. 100-102.

North Australia ; lengtl),jG feet 3 inches.

Diamond Snake.

Python spilotes, Lacepede.
PhUe 2.

Carpet Snake.

Python spilotes, variety variegata, Gray.

Plate 3.

S. 45-51, Y. 251-304., A.l or 2, S.C. 63-92

Krefft considered that these two snakes were merely
varieties one of the other, and farther researches have
proved the accuracy of his surmise. Except in color
and distribution they do not differ, and occasionally
individuals are obtained which cannot be assigned to
either form, being colored partly like one and partly
like the other, formally the Diamond Snake is black
with a yellow spot in the centre of each scale, and with
diamond-shaped clusters at fairly regular intervals.
It attains a length of 8 feet. The Carpet Snake, which

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 3D

may be 10 feet in lengtli, is of an olive tint, variegated
witli irregular markings, which are responsible for the
common name of the snake. In both, the under
parts are yellow, barred and spotted with black. The
Diamond Snake is restricted to a limited area on the
East Coast ; bnt the Carpet Snake is found almost
throughout Australia.

On a footpath, a grass plot, or in a museum case,
:a Carpet Snake is so striking an object, by reason of
its bulk, its sweeping curves and mottled pattern, that a
casual observer would regard it as a conspicuous
animal, which would everywhere obtrude itself on his
attention. Yet, in the recesses of its native forest, that
casual observer, and even a sharp-eyed naturalist, might
brush against it, or walk over it without noticing it.
An experienced collector once related to me how
startled he was when searching in the bush, by the
sudden apparition, as it seemed, of a huge Carpet
Snake a yard away. Not till then had he realised how
the mottled marking of the reptile perfectly imitated the
litter of grey and brown dead leaves, and how the
• curves of the body answered to a fallen limb.

Black-headed Rock Snake

Aspidites melanocejiJialus, Krefft.

S. 49-55, V. .^21-350, A.l, S.C. 60-64.

North Australia ; length, 8 feet.

40 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Ramsay's Rock Snake.

Aspidites ramsayi, Macleay.

S. 53-63, Y. 293-299, A.l or 2, S.C. 53.

Known only from Bourke and snrroiindiiig district ;:

length, 6 feet.

COLUBRINE SNAKES.

Formerly, snakes were usnally separated into two
main sections, harmless, and venomous. Although
this may be a convenient arrangement, recent researches
show tliat it is not a proper one, and must, therefore,
give place to one based on natural characters. The
family Coluhridce, to which all the remaining Australian
Spakes belong, is split into three sections. The first
(^Aglypha) may be known by their solid teeth ; all its
members are therefore harmless. In the next section
(^Opisthoglyphn) some of the hinder fangs are grooved ;
and ^Yhile many of its representatives are venomous,
others are quite harudess. All the members of the
third section (Proteroglypha) are venomous, and may be
known by the presence of grooves in the front teeth of
the upper jaw. These grooves serve to conduct the
poison from the venom bag into the wound.

HARMLESS COLUBRINE SNAKES.

Section AGLYPIIA.

But five Australian Snakes enter this section ; the-
fir5t is a Water Snake, which belongs to the same-

AUSTRALIAN SXAKES. 41

genus as the familiar Ringed Snake of Britain, and
has much tlie same habits ; it is known as the

Fresh-Water Snake.

Tropidoiiotics plcluratius, Sclilegel.
S. 15-17, V. 128-1G5, A.2, S.C. 52-82.

This snake inhabits Eastern Australia, north of
the Clarence River. It is somewhat variable in color,
due both to individual j)eculiarity, and to seasonal
changes : while some examples are quite grey, others
are of a rich brown : all have, however, the belly
scales, salmon color, generally with red spots on the
sides. Three feet is its maximum size.

Unlike the Sea Snakes, the members of this genus
are not specially adapted for living in water, nor are
they nearly so aquatic in habit as tlie venomous Water
Snakes of the next section : althongh splendid swimmers,
they are more often found on land, always however in
the neighbourhood of water. Their terrestrial habits
might be inferred from the position of their nostrils,
which are placed at the sides of the head, and not on
the top, as in the typical aquatic forms.

Hooded Snake.

Stegonotus cucuHatus, Dumeril and Bibron.

S. 17, V. 19G-207, A.l, S.C. 7i]-'J0 pairs.

Cape York ; length, 3 feet 7 inches.

42 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES,

Lead-colored Snake.

Stegonotus plu7nbeus , Macleay.

S. 17, V. 219, A.l, S.C. 74 pairs.

Herbert River, Queensland ; length, 4 feet.

These are two little-known forms of this harmless
solid-toothed series. Thence we may notice the Green
Tree Snakes, of which we have two representatives —

Northern Green Tree Snake.

Dendrophis calligaster, Giinther.

S. 18, V. 176-211, A.2, S.C. 125-151.

Known only from Cape York ; it seldom exceeds 4

feet in length.

Common Green Tree Snake.

Dendrophis pnnctidaLiLS^ Gray.
Plate 4.

S. 13, V. 191-220, A.2, S.C. 120-144.

It inhabits nearly the whole of Australia, and is
very common and notable for its bright green color, a
feature which enables it, in full daylight, to glide among
the foliage of trees, in search of its prey, unobserved,
and also to escape detection by its enemies. It attains
a length of 7 feet ; feeds largely on frogs, young birds,
and lizards, and is seldom seen upon the ground. The

PLATE. 4

T: shine, PUBUfiHER.

GREEN TREE SNAKE, {Dendrophis punctulatus, Gray^

AUSTRAMAN SNAKES. 43

upper surface is green, and the lower parts are yellow.
The belly scales are noticeable for having a notch on
■each side, corresponding to a ridge, by means of which the
snake is able to traverse the branch of a tree ; this
feature has been more fully explained in part I. (page 15).

AQUATIC and NOCTURNAL COLUBRINE

SNAKES.
Section OPISTHOGLYrilA.

This section is represented in Australia, also by
iive snakes, four aquatic and one arboreal.

The Water Snakes are venomous, and may be
distinguished from the harmless Water Snake previously
mentioned, by the circumstance of the nostrils being on
the upper surface of the head. As this would indicate,
all these snakes are thoroughly aquatic, and their young
are produced in the water, in a living state. Some of
the Water Snakes have prehensile, or clasping tails,
by means of which they attach themselves to weeds or
•other objects, watching meanwhile the fish upon which
they mainly feed. The four Australian venomous
Water Snakes are : —

Macleay's Water Snake.

Hypsirhina macleai/i, Ogilby.

S. 21-23, V. 147-152, A.2, S.C. 38-47.

Herbert Kiver district, Queensland ; length, 2 feet

3 inches.

44

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Australian Bockadam.

Cerberus australis, Gray.
S. 25, V. 148-149, S.C. in pairs.
North Australia ; lengtli, 2 feet.

Richardson's Water Snake

Myron richardsoni, (iray.
S. 21, G. 138-140, A.2, S.C. 80,
North Aiistraha ; length, 1 foot G iiichc

s^

White-bellied Water Snake.

Fordoida leucobalia, Sclilegel.

S. 25-20, V. 133-156, A.2, S.C. 26-43.

North Australia ; length, 3 feet.

The fifth memher of the section is the

Brown Tree Snake.

Dipsadoinorphus fuscus, Gray.
Plate 5.

S. 19-21, Y. 236-257, A.l, S.C. 87-103.

Although possessing grooved teetli, this snake is
harmless to man. It may easily be distinguished by

PLATE 5

'-'if .- ;.

"^^.

"r. SMINE^ PUBLISHER

BROWN TREE SNAKE {Dipsadomorphus Juscuh, Gray;.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 45

its elongate botly, reacliing to a lengtli of seven feet,
and its very wide head. The Brown Tree Snake lives
generally among the branches of trees, and is nocturnal
in habit, a circumstance which enables it to secure
sleeping birds, which, together with their eggs and
young, form a fair proportion of its food. It also eats
small mammals, frogs and lizards, but its allies are
said to be more partial to tlie warm-blooded animals.

Owing to the fact of it being abroad only at night,
this snake is seldom seen, and is, therefore, not nearl}'
so well known as the Green Tree Snake. In color it
is reddish brown above, with many oblique, black, or

•dark-brown cross-bands. The under parts are yellowish,

-or salmon-colored.

This snake was originally described from a specimen
taken at Port Essington, its distribution, as far as
known, is Northern and Eastern Australia.

VENOMOUS COLUBRINE SNAKES.

Section PROTEROGLYPHA.
As before indicated, all the snakes of this section
are venomous, sojne are so small as to be almost
harmless to man, while others are deadly, These
venomous Colubrines are divided into two sub-families,
as affecting Australian species, namelj' — the Elajmice,
which includes all the snakes not hitherto considered,
with the exception of the Sea Snakes, which form the
-second sub-family, known as the Ilydrophiince.

4G AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

VENOMOUS LAND SNAKES.

Siib-fauiily ELAPINjE.

While the names and distribution of all the snakes
are given, some of the species are so rare, known^
perhaps, from single specimens, that only the better-
known ones will be dealt with at leno^tli. The Aus-
tralian snakes of this sub-family are as follows : —

MacGillivray's Snake.

Glyphodon tristis, Giiiither.

S. 17, y. 165-179, A. 2, S.C 38-52.

North-eastern Australia ; length, 3 feet.

Red-bellied Snake.

Pseudelaps squamulosus, Dumeril and Bibron.

Plate G.

S. 15, y. 170-183, A.2, S.C. 34-52.

This is one of our handsomest snakes, and is found
in Queensland and New South Wales ; it is nowhere
common. The upper parts are purplish-brown, and the
lower portions red, clouded with black ; a dark line
runs down the centre of the under side of the tail.
The head, which presents the most striking feature,
has a purplish-brown cap, bordered by bright orange
bands ; these bands fail to meet behind, and are produced

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 47

some\Yliat down the nape. It inhabits rocky districts.
and is usnally obtained beneath stones, when hibernating,.
It is a small species, not exceeding twenty inches in
length.

The five following snakes are bnt little known ^
they are small species, and very few examples have been
discovered : —

Krefft's Dwarf Snake.

Pseudelaps krejflii, Giinther.

S. 15, V. U6-15G, A. 2, S.C. 26-38.

Northern New South Wales and Queensland ; length,.

10 inches.

Forde's Dwarf Snake.

Pseudelaps fordii, KrefTt.

S. 15, V. 1G7-172, A. 2, S.C. 2G-38.

Queensland; length, 13 inches.

De Vis' Dwarf Snake.

Pseudelaps warro^ De Vis.

S. 15, V. 143, A. 2, S.C. 15?

Queensland ; length, 10 inches.

Harriett's Dwarf Snake.

Pseudelaps harriettcBj Kreilt.
S. 15, V. 17G-193, A. 2, S.C. 29-35.
Queensland ; length, 1 foot 4 inches.

48 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Sutherland's Dwarf Snake.

Pseudelops siUherlandi, Do Vis.

S. 17, V. IGO, A. 2, S.C. 40.

Queensland ; lengtli, 12 inches.

Red-naped Snake.

Pseudetnps diadema, Sclilegel.
S. 15, y. 164-203, A. 2, S.C. 40-G2.
This beautiful little species is not only of wide range,
but is also very common ; one of the commonest snakes
in New South Wales. It ranges throughout Eastern,
l^orthern, and Westei'n Australia, and is also known as
the Scarlet-spotted and Diadem Snake. Brown above,
the head and neck are black, with a brilliant scarlet
spot on the nape ; the under parts are cream-colored.
Tlie Red-naped Snake is a small species not more
than 2 feet in length, and quite inoffensive, allowing
itself to be freely handled.

Whip Snake.

Diem'inia psaminophis, Schlegel.
Plate 7.

S. 15, V. 170-255, A. 2, S.C. 69-105.

Around Sydney, this is one of the best-known
snakes, and, although in scientific company with some

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 49

notorious species, and attaining a length of 4 feet
6 inches, it is very inoffensiv^e. Of its bite, Krefft
remarks that the result causes no more irritation than
the sting of a bee. In color it is variable, generally
some shade of olive, or reddish-brown above, and grey,
or greenish below : the terminal portion of the tail is
orange beneath, and the eye is surrounded with yellow,
which color is continued backwards, into a point above
the mouth. It is distributed from British isfew Guinea
throughout almost the whole of Australia, and is
sometimes known as the Grey Snake.

We notice shortly the four following scarce species
■of the genus, namely —

Percy Island Snake.

Diemenia torquata, Giinther.
S. 15, V. 191-203, A. 2, S.C. 75-81.
•Queensland, and Percy Island, which lies off the North-
east Coast ; length, 2 feet.

Spotted-headed Snake.

Diemenia oHvacea, Gray.

S. 15, V. 162-215, A. 2, S.C, 79-99.

Northern Australia and New Guinea ; length, 3 feet.

Macleay's Whip Snake.

Diemenia oriiatice^ys, Macleay.

S. 15, V. 187, A. 2, S.C. 90.

Port Darwin ; length, 10 inches.

50 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Plain Whip Snake.

Dieinenia inodesta, Giinther
S. 17, Y. 154-165, A. 2, S.C. 38-51 pairs.
Western Australia ; length, 1 foot 6 inches.

t Brown Snake*

Diemenia text ills, Dumeril and Bibron.
Plate 8.

S. 17, V. 190-232, A. 2, S.C. 46-73 pairs.

This deadly snake has a very extensive distribution
in Australia. In color it is pale brown above, and dirty
white beneath, the belly scales clouded with grey.
The young, produced from eggs (as in all members of
this genus), are very pale in color, with many black
rings, which extend from head to tail ; sometimes these
rings never wholly disappear, the most persistent
forming a collar ; on the other hand, some specimens,
even when young, have no rings ; and I know of
both plain and ringed examples having been hatched
from the same batch of eggs. The blotches on the
belly are more constant, but are rather indistinct in
young individuals. The Brown Snake reaches a length

* Deadly species are deuoted by a +.

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 51

of 6 feet, and is generally met ^vitli among rocks and
fallen timber ; it deposits its eggs to the number of
twenty, or thereabouts, among dead leaves or other
debris.

t Collared Brown Snake.

Diemenia nuchaiis, Giinther.

S. 17-19, V. 184-224, A. 2, S.C. 55-65 pairs.

This snake cannot be distinguished from the above
without critical examination, and it is possible that the
Brown Snakes recorded from West Australia are
referable to this species ; it also occurs in the North-west.
In dimensions it reaches 5 feet 6 inches.

t Black Snake.

Fseudechis porphyriacus, Shaw.
Plate 9.

S. 17, V. 180-200, A. 2, S.C. 50-60 pairs.

This is our commonest venomous species, and is

generally found throughout Eastern, Western, and

Southern Australia. When adult, its bite often proves

fatal. It is usually found in the vicinity of water, and

62 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

frequents marshy spots ; it swims and dives well, and
wlien lying motionless in the water has often been
mistaken for a stick.

Its food consists largely of frogs, but lizards and
small animals are also eaten. Krefft remarked that it
is particularly partial to the young of the Water Rat
{Hydromys)^ and, on one occasion, sixteen young of this
animal were taken out of a single BKick Snake — so that
the reptile must have plundered four rats' nests.

The coloration of tliis snake is simple, but effective,
above it is black from head to tail, beneath it is a
beautiful red, each plate edged with black ; the large
lateral scales bordering the ventrals are red, tipped with
black, and the under-tail scales are wholly black.
Examples are occasionally obtained witliout a trace of
the red color ; such, although essentially " black," are
merely varieties of the typical form. Large examples
have been secured 6 feet 6 inches in length, but the
majority seen are very much smaller.

Fifteen to twenty young are produced, about
March, the period at which most of our snakes
reproduce their species.

The following Australian members of this genus
have also been described : —

t Copper Snake.

Pseudechis capreus, Boulenger.

S. 17, V. 199-210, A. 2, S.C. 57-72.

Murray River ; length, 6 feet.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 53

t Orange-bellied Brown Snake.

Pseudechis australis, Gray.

S. 17, V. 199-220, A. 2, S.C. 57-70.

Eastern and Northern Australia ; length, 3 feet 6 inches.

I Port Darwin Snake.

Pseudechis darwiniensis, Macleay.

S. 17, Y. 212, S.C. 54-64.

Port Darwin ; lengtli, 3 feet.

t Yellow-bellied Snake.

Pseudechis scufellatus, Peters.

S. 23, V. 230-233, A. 1, S.C. 61-78 pairs.

Queensland and New Guinea ; length, 3 feet 6 inches.

t Small-scaled Snake.

Pseudechis Tnicrolepidotus, McCoy.
S. 23. V. 232-237, A. 2, S.C. 61-66 pairs.
Northern Victoria ; length, 6 feet 3 inches.

t Fierce Snake.

Pseudechis ferox^ Macleay,

S. 23, V. 235, A. 2, S.C. 60 pairs.

Bourke, New South Wales ; lengtl), 6 feet 9 inches.

These snakes are dangerous, but, as the majority
are known only from single examples, this need cause
small alarm.

04 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

t Superb Snake.

Denisonia superba, Giinther.
Plate 10.

S. 15-17, V. 145-160, A. 1, S.C. 41-50.

In Victoria this is known as the Copper-headed
Snake, and in Tasmania as the Carpet Snake ; while
Krefft applies the name Large-scaled Snake. Fairly
common in Tasmania, it is scarcer on the Continent,
and rare as we travel northward ; then found only on
the high lands, a feature in keeping with its cooler
habitat. On the mainland, its range extends from
Victoria to New South Wales and South Australia.
The adult is brown, or olive above, and yellowish, or olive
beneath, the scales bordering the ventrals yellow, or red.
The young (shown in the plate) has a black patch on the
nape, often bordered with red, and the head is lighter, or
more coppery than in the adult. This snake, which in
New South Wales is not usually distinguished from the
Black Snake, is equally vicious and deadly with the
Tiger Snake. In Tasmania this species attains a
length of from 5 to 6 feet, but in New South Wales it
is not known larger than about 4 feet.

The remaining members of the genus are, for the
most part small species, and need be here little more
than mentioned.

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 55

Crowned Snake.

Deiiisonia coronata, Schlegel.

S. 15, Y. 138-151, A. 1, S.C. 38-51.

Western Australia and New South Wales; length,

1 foot 7 inches.

White-lipped Snake.

Denisonia coronoideSy Giinther.

S. 15, V. 136-151, A. 1, S.C. 39-57.

ITew South Wales, Victoria, West and South Australia,

and Tasmania ; length, 1 foot 6 inches.

MuUer's Snake.

Denisonia inuelleri, Fischer.

S. 17, V. 118, A. 1, S.C. 38.

Queensland ; length, 1 foot.

Bridled Snake.

Denisonia frenata, Peters.

S. 19, V. 167, A. 1, S.C. 35.

Queensland ; length, 1 foot 4 inches.

Ramsay's Snake.

Denisonia ramsayi, Krefft.

S. 15, V. 164, A. 2, S.C. 51.

New South Wales ; length, 10-|- inches.

56 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Black-bellied Snake.

Denisonia signata, Jan.
S. 17, V. 153-170, A. 2, S.C. 41-56.

Although of somewhat larger size, attaining a
length of 2 feet 6 inches, this snake is not dangerous.
It is rather common in New South Wales, and also
occurs in Queensland. In color it is dark olive, or
brown above, and deep leaden color underneath. It is
also called Whip Snake, a name more commonly applied
to Diemenia psammophis (see page 48).

Dsemel's Snake.

Denisonia dcemeiii, Giinther.
S. ]7, Y. 147-168, A. 2, S.C. 33-45.
Queensland ; length, 1 foot 3 inches.

Peters' Snake.

Denisonia suta, Peters.

S. 19, V. 157-164, A. 1, S.C. 25-30.

South Australia ; length, 8 inches.

Og'ilby's Snake.

Denisonia frontalis, Ogilby.

S. 19, V. 154, A. 1, S.C. 30.

New South Wales ; length, 1 foot 4 inches.

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 57

Little Whip Snake.

Denisonia Jlagellum, McCoy.

S. 17, V. 132-138, A. 1, S.C. 25-27.

Victoria ; length, 1 foot 3 inches.

Opnamented Snake.

Denisonia Tnaculata, Steindachner.
S. 17, V. 121-136, A. 1, S.C. 20-30.
Queensland ; length, 1 foot 4 inches.

Mottled-headed Snake.

Denisonia punctata, Boiilenger.

S. 15, V. 160, A. 1, S.C. 25.

North-western Australia ; length, 1 foot 2 inches.

Black-naped Snake

Denisonia gouldii, Gray.

S. 15, Y. 140-170, A. 1, S.C. 22-23.

Western and Southern Australia; length, 1 foot 5^

inches.

Black-backed Snake.

Denisonia nigrescens, Giinther.
S. 15, V. 170-200, A. 1, S.C. 30-47.
Queensland and New South Wales ; length, 2 feet 8

inclies.

58 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Black-striped Snake.

Denisonia nigro-striata, Krefft.
S. 15, V. 180-184, A. 1, S.C. 50-64.
Queensland ; length, 1 foot 3 inches.

Gulf Snake

Denisonia carpentarice, Maeleay.

S. 15, V. 166-133, A. 1, S.C. 31-43.

Nortliern Queensland ; length, 11 inches.

Northern Pale-headed Snake.

Denisonia pallidiceps, Giintlier.
S. 15, V. 170-178, A. 1, S.C. 37-38.

Northern Australia ; length, 2 feet.

Broad-headed Snake.

Hoplocephalus bungaroides, Boie.
Plate 11.

S. 21, V. 204-221, A. 1, S.C. 40-56.

At one time common around Sydney, and not
known beyond 'New South Wales, this snake is
becoming very scarce ; but, as Krefft remarks, being of

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AUSTRALIAN SXAKES. 59

nocturnal habit, it may be overlooked. He writes : —
" If a person be bitten by one of them, the simple act of
sucking the wound is sufficient to avert any unpleasant
sensation ; but, should nothing be done, a violent
headache, a certain stiffness in the spine, and some local
swelling is generally the consequence. It takes from
thirty minutes to an hour before these symptoms set in."
Above, the color is black, with yellow spots, forming
irregular cross-bands on the body ; the ventral plates
are blackish, yellow oil the side. It reaches 4 feet in
length.

Pale-headed Snake.

Hoplocephalus bitorquatus, Jan.

S. 21, V. 191-227, A. 1, S.C. 44-59.

'Nevf South Wales and Queensland; length, 1 feet 8 inches.

Banded Snake.

Hoplocephalus slephensii, Krefft,
Plate 12.

S. 21, V. 230, A. 1, S.C. 60.

The genus to whicli this and the two preceding
snakes belong, may be known by the belly plates being
angular and notched, similar to, but less marked than

60

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

those of the Green Tree Snake. The Banded Snake-
is of striking coloration, being banded alternately with
black and yellow. It attains a length of 2 feet 6 inches,
and is an uncommon species ; not known beyond the
borders of New South Wales.

Clarence River Snake.

Tropidechis carinatus^ Krefft.

S. 23, Y. 165-171, A. 1, S.C. 52-54.
Originally obtained from the Clarence River
district, this snake, the only known member of the
genus, has since been taken in other parts of New South
Wales and also in Queensland. It differs from its
allies, mainly by having the scales strongly keeled ;.
length, 2 feet 6 inches.

t Tiger Snake.

Notechis scutatus, Peters.
Plate 13.

S. 15-19, V. 146-185, A. 1, S C. 39-61.

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 61

This species, the only member of its genus, is also
•commonly known as the Brown-banded Snake : it has
the reputation of being the most vicious, and also one
of the most deadly of the Australian Snakes. It is
found throughout nearly the whole of Australia and
Tasmania, and in the island colony is generally known
as Carpet Snake or Black Snake, dependent on the
individual being of the light or dark variety. In
general, the ground color varies from a light to a dark
brown, crossed by about fifty bands of a darker hue ;
these bands are sometimes scarcely discernable, and in
the dark variety, are almost lost in the depth of color,
which approximates to black ; beneath, the color is
yellow, becoming darker towards the tail. The Tiger
Snake produces about thirty living young, which assume
the characteristically aggressive attitude as soon as born.
I have generally found this snake on drier ground,
nmong fallen timber, and when discovered it usually
makes for the shelter of a log, whence it may be difficult
to dislodge ; an attempt always exciting, and not with-
out an element of danger. Specimens opened have
generally revealed the presence of lizards, and, no doubt,
these reptiles form a large proportion of the food of this
most agile snake.

A Tiger Snake, five feet in length, is a reptile to
be avoided : example of six feet have been taken, but
such are very rare.

(>2 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

The following are two little-known species :—

Desert Snake.

Brachyaspis curta, Sclilegel.

S. 19, y. 128-136, A. 1, S.C. 30-35.

Western Australia; length, 1 foot 8 inches.

White-tongued Snake.

-C' Rhinhopjiocephalus bicoJor, Miiller,

S. 15, V. 159, A. 1, S.C. 34.
Length, 1 foot 4 inches.

t Death Adder.

Acanthophis antarctica, Shaw.
Plate 14.

S. 21-23, y. 113-130, A. 1, S.C. 41-51.

Of all Australian Snakes, the Death Adder is most
to be feared. It is of sluggish habit and its color
harmonises so well with the ground on which it may be
lying that it is frequently passed over, or even trodden
upon, before its proximity is suspected.

The indifference which this venomous reptile
displays to man is exemplified by an anecdote which
appeared in an Australian newspaper some years ago

AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 63

An expedition was engaged in exploring the mountainous
interior of New Guinea. The nature of the country
only allowed the party, which was thirty or forty strong,
to march one behind the other in Indian file along a
native footpath. Seeing a sudden disturbance in the
rear, a halt was called, and the cause was found to be
a Death Adder. A bare-footed native carrier had seen
it lying in the path jnst in time to avoid stepping on it.
Every man before him had stepped over it, missing his
death by a handsbreadth. The boot-print of the officer
who led the file was stamped in the clay but two inches
from the adder's head.

The reptile is also frequently termed Deaf Adder,
in allusion, some suppose, to its apathy and apparent
deafness. It is, however, more probable that the name
is borrowed from the Bible (Psalms Iviii., 4.)

The Death Adder is a short, thick, and clumsy
reptile, seldom seen longer than about two feet, but
occasionally obtained of a greater size. The largest I
have seen measures two feet five and a-half inches, but
it is the only specimen 1 know at all approaching such
dimensions. In color it is usually of a dirty grey, but
may be met with of brownish, or even reddish tints,
due, apparently, to the color of its immediate sur-
roundings. In all cases the body is crossed with from
forty to fifty darker rings, which may almost disappear
in aged specimens. The ventral scales vary in color,
and are usually clouded with black.

€4 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

The scales are keeled, and the tail, which is short
and narrow, terminates in a spine. Many persons
imagine that the venomous properties are contained in
this spine, an idea which may be at once dispelled.
Although the function of the spine is not clear, it
probably assists in progression. Another popular notion
is, that the Death Adder is not a snake, but some
creature without affinities. Both these fallacies may
owe their origin to the Bible, wherein we read :
(Proverbs xxiii., 32) " It biteth like a serpent and
stingeth like an adder."

The Death Adder occurs almost throus^liout Aus-
tralia, frequents sandy districts, and is often observed
on roads. It produces from a dozen to fifteen young,
and is usually met with only during the warmer period
of the year.

t Central Australian Death Adder.

Acanthophis pyrrhus, Boulenger.
S. 21, Y. 146, A.l, S.C. 50.

Recently described from a single specimen, it is
improbable that this species will ultimately prove to be
distinct. It is very like the red variety of the common
Death Adder, with which we are familiar from the more
arid regions. Length, 1 foot 9 inches.

This sub-family may be closed by the enumeration
of the following snakes, assigned to four genera : —

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 65

Little Desert Snake.

Ela2)ognathus minoi\ Giinther.

S. 15, V. 120-128, A.l, S.C. 52-60.

South-west Australia ; length, 1 foot 6 inches.

Berthold's Ringed Snake-

Rhynchelaps bertholdi, Jan.
S. 15, Y. 112-126, A.2, S.C. 15-25.
Southern and Western Australia ; length, 10^ inches.

Short-tailed Snake.

Bynchelajjs australis, Krefft.
S. 17, V. 152-163, A.2, S.C. 18-20.

This snake produces its young from eggs, which
are of exceedingly^ large size. It is known from New
South Wales and Queensland, and is but 12 inches in
length.

Half-grirdled Snake.

Rhynchelaps semifasciatus, Giinther.
S. 17, V. 143-170, A.2, S.C. 17-25.
West Australia ; length, 12 inches.

Girdled Snake.

Rhychelaps Jasciolatus, Giinther.

S. 17, V. 143-170, A.2, S.C. 17-25.

West Australia ; length, 1 foot IJ inches.

QQ AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Horn's Snake.

Hornea pulchella, Lucas and Frost.

S. 17, V. 172, A.2, S.C. 20 pairs.

Central Australia ; length, 1 foot 2 inches.

Verreaux's Snake.

Furina bimaculata, Dumeril and Bibron.

S. 15, V. 181-:^00, A.2, S.C. 21-25.

West Australia; length, 1 foot 1 inch.

Spotted Snake.

Furina calonota, Dumeril and Bibron.
S. 15, V. 126-131, A.2, S.C. 20-30.
West Australia ; lengtli, 8^ inclies.

Ringed Snake.

Furina occipitalis, Dumeril and Bibron.
Plate 15.

S. 15, V. 180-234, A.2, S.C. 14-25.

This is one of our commonest snakes, and is an
unmistakeable species ; it is colored simply black and
white in alternate bands ; and, although belonging to a
venomous section, is very inoffensive and incapable of
inflicting harm to man. It seldom, if ever, exceeds

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES. 67

thirty inches in length, and occurs generally throughout
Australia. On the Macleay River, it is known as
Bunda Bunda, a native name.

SEA SNAKES.

Sub-family HYDROPHIIN^.

iS'o less than twelve Sea Snakes are recorded from
Australian seas, nearly all, however, confined to tropical
areas. All are highly venomous, and yet deaths
resulting from their bite are rare, owing to the small
gape, and consequent difficulty of grasping large objects.
Excluding the members of one genus, they are entirely
aquatic. With the exception of one species of Distira,
confined to Lake Taal (a fresh-water lake in Luzon,
in the Philippine Islands) all Sea Snakes are, as their
name implies, marine. They enter streams and are
frequently found some distance from the estuary, but
do not extend beyond tidal influence.

They are viviparous, that is, they produce their
offspring in a living and active condition. They are
confined to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the habitat
of the greater number extending from the Persian Gulf
to New Guinea and North Australia.

Sea Snakes reach a great size, but 12 feet is the
largest definitely recorded, a figure very far short of the
Mariner's Sea Serpent. They feed upon fish and other
marine animals, and have as enemies, Sharks and Sea
Eagles.

68 AUSTRALIAN? SNAKES.

Some account of the organisation of these reptiles
has been given in part I. (p. 17) it therefore only-
remains to enumerate the several Australian species
which are assigned to six genera.

Ringed Sea Snake.

Platurus coluhriniis, Schneider.
S. 21-25, y. 195-240, S.C. 30-45.
Length, 4 feet 3 inches.

Wandering" Sea Snake.

Platurus laticaudatus, Linnaeus.

S. 19, V. 210-245, S.C. 25-45.

Length, 3 feet 3 inches.

The two snakes are similar in habit, appearance,
and distribution, ranging from the Bay of Bengal to the
Chinese Sea and the Western South Pacific. They are
sometimes observed on the beaches around Port Jackson,
and occasionally escape by wriggling into the water, a
manoeuvre of which the commoner Yellow-bellied Sea
Snake is incapable. The members of this genus ex-
hibit a less departure from ordinary snakes than do any
any of the others, they agree with land snakes in having
imbricate scales and large ventral plates, and by having
the nostrils placed at the side of the head and not on
the top of the snout ; they are also less aquatic than
other sea snakes, and have frequently been observed
traversing the land, sometimes at considerable distances
from water.

AUSTRALIAN SXAIvES. 69

Brown Sea Snake

Aipysurus Icevis, Lacepede.

S. 21-25, V. 137-162.

Length, 5 feet 9 inches.

Southern Sea Snake.

Aijyysurus australis, Sauvage.

S. 19, V. 146-166.

Length, 3 feet 3 inches.

Although still possessing large ventral plates, the
members of this genus have the nostrils placed on the
upper surface of the snout, indicating their more aquatic
habit. As they are never known voluntarily to leave
the water, the use of large ventral plates is not apparent,
and can only be explained by surmising that sea snakes
are descended from land snakes, and that the members
of this genus have taken to the water later than those
which follow. In the next genera the ventrals are
very small, but still distinct.

Distira stoJcesii, Gray.

S. 48-57, V. 230-267.

Length, 5 feet

Distira major, Shaw.
S, 36-41, y. 200-236.
Length, 3 feet 6 inches.

70 AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Distira ornata, Gray.
S. 40-50, \. 210-300.
Length, 4 feet.

Distira grandis, Boulenger.
S. 41-45, Y. 372-400.

Length, 7 feet 8 inches.

Long-necked Sea Snakes.

Hydrophis kingii, Boulenger.
S. 37, V. 314.

Length, 4 feet.

Hydrophis elegans, Gray.

S. 41-43, V. 350-385.

Length, 4 feet 2 inches.

In the genus Hydrojyliis, the front portion of the
body is often remarkably slender.

Port Darwin Sea Snake.

Hydrelaps darwiniensis, Boulenger.

S. 27-29, V. 170-172.

Length, 1 foot 6 inches.

This is the only known species of the genus, and
but two examples have so far been obtained, both from
Port Darwin.

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AUSTRALIAN SNAKES.

Yellow-bellied Sea Snake.

Hydrus 2)^^iurus, Linn£eus.
Plate 16.

71

S. 45-47, V. none.

This is onr commonest species, and is not in-
frequently cast upon the beaches around Port Jackson,
after gales : it has also been taken with the hook, and
landed under the impression that it was an eel ; it
seldom exceeds 3 feet in length. It is a typical Sea
Snake, as exemplified by the nostrils being situated on
the top of the snout, by the absence of distinct
ventral plates, and by the scales on the body being laid
edge to edge. The coloration of this snake is very
variable, the majority of examples are simply black
above and yellow beneath, the two colors sharply defined,
the tail is generally yellow with black spots.

THE END,

SNAKES OF AUSTRALIA.— Diagrams of the Snakes
of Australia, 72 x 48 inches, mounted on Strong Cloth,
Cedar Slip and Roller-turned ends, beautifully varnished.
Price, 30/-

Published by THOMAS SHINE, Fine Art and General Publisher
and Bookseller, 80 and 84 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

[r.ovr.]

AUSTRALIAM MuSEUM,

Sydney, 30th March, 1S97.

The drawings of the "Venomous" and "Non-venomous" Snakes
(Australian), represented on Mr. Thos. Shine's new Chart, were made
from examples in this Museum, and fulfil a lono-.felt Educational want.

With the assistance of the structural sketches attached, there should
be no difficulty in teaching the ordinary observer how to distinguish
between the two kinds of snakes. The truthful delineation of the objects
and their artistic merit speak for themselves.

R. ETHERIDGE, Curator.

[copy.]

The University of Melbourne,

April 25th, 1897.
Dear Sir,

I thank j^ou for the copies of your illustration of the more common
and dangerous snakes of Australasia. I think they are veiy excellent
productions.

I had a letter from the Under-Secretarj^ for Education, N.S.W,,
concerning the advisability of hanging them in State Schools throughout
the Colonj'. I think the proposal a good one, as the greatest superstitions
exist among the people as to what are, and what are not, poisonous
snakes.

Yours faithfully,

CHARLES J. MARTIN, M.D., D.Sc.
Mr. Thomas Shine.

[copy. ]
Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery of South Australia,

Adelaide, 5th April, 1897.

I had the pleasure of seeing some of the colored plates of Australian
Snakes, published by Mr. Shine, for the use of schools.

The execution of the work is excellent. The snakes represented are
life-size. I am convinced that Mr. Shine's excellent work will meet a
long-felt want in the Educational Department, and will assist to make the
teachers— as well as the children— more familiar with our Australian
Snakes.

The illustration gives a better representation o! the species than
specimens preserved in spirits, which always lose their color more or less.
And, for this reason, as well as being much less expensive than a collec-
tion of snakes preserved in spirits, they are highly recommendable for
school purposes.

A. ZIETZ, F.L.S.,

Assistant Director.

W. R. MACLARDY & CO., General Printers and Lithographers, 315 Kent-st., Sydney.

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