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The Descent of Man

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for instance <strong>of</strong> the common English snake and<br />

viper, serve to conceal them; and this is still<br />

more doubtful with the many foreign species<br />

which are coloured with extreme elegance. <strong>The</strong><br />

colours <strong>of</strong> certain species are very different in<br />

the adult and young states. (58. Dr. Stoliczka,<br />

'Journal <strong>of</strong> Asiatic Society <strong>of</strong> Bengal,' vol. xxxix,<br />

1870, pp. 205, 211.)<br />

During the breeding-season the anal scentglands<br />

<strong>of</strong> snakes are in active function (59.<br />

Owen, 'Anatomy <strong>of</strong> Vertebrates,' vol. i. 1866, p.<br />

615.); and so it is with the same glands in lizards,<br />

and as we have seen with the submaxiliary<br />

glands <strong>of</strong> crocodiles. As the males <strong>of</strong> most<br />

animals search for the females, these odoriferous<br />

glands probably serve to excite or charm<br />

the female, rather than to guide her to the spot<br />

where the male may be found. Male snakes,<br />

though appearing so sluggish, are amorous; for<br />

many have been observed crowding round the<br />

same female, and even round her dead body.

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