. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. CROCODILIANS, LIZARD8, AND SNAKES. 845 zoidal, highest auteriorly, nasals moderate. Labials eight above, moderate, i)osteiior small, twelve below; posterior very small, sixth and seventh largest. Nine rows of scales between labials and abdom- inal scntelhv at the angle of the month. Onter three to seven rows smooth, then carinated very obsoletfly, and then more decidedly and in increasing degree toward the back. Color above black or dark le
. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. CROCODILIANS, LIZARD8, AND SNAKES. 845 zoidal, highest auteriorly, nasals moderate. Labials eight above, moderate, i)osteiior small, twelve below; posterior very small, sixth and seventh largest. Nine rows of scales between labials and abdom- inal scntelhv at the angle of the month. Onter three to seven rows smooth, then carinated very obsoletfly, and then more decidedly and in increasing degree toward the back. Color above black or dark lead color, marked by a dorsal series of quadrangular blotches, about thirty-four from head to anus, rather acutely emarginate before and behind, occupying a width equal to about fifteen scales. The lozenge-shaped intervals between these blotches are from two to three scales long centrally, dimin- ishing and becoming more linear posteriorly. On each side, and alternating with the dorsal series is a second alternating one, composed of subrectangular elongated blotches, and alternating again with these is a second indistinct series along the edge of the abdomen. The entire system bf coloration is very difficult to define, the general appearance being that of a blacksnake with irregular obsolete mottlings of white. The intervals be- tween the blotches may be indicated as being white, with the center and apex of each scale lead color, the pro- portion of the latter being very small on the sides and increasing to the dorsal line. The scales in the centers of the blotches have the basal half narrowly margined with white, as is the case, to some extent, with the lateral spots. Beneath greenish-white, with the centers of the scutelhr mottled with dark slate-blue, increasing backward. Chin and throat immaculate yellowish-white, scales on the sides with a bluish spot on the apex. The colors descril)ed are those as preserved in alcohol. The color of the animal when alive is, at least in ind
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Keywords: ., bookauthorsmithsonianinstitutio, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1840
