INNOCUOUS SERPENTS. 129 



Writers on Ophiology have classed in the genus Tortrix 

 several reptiles which must be rejected on a rigorous exa- 

 mination of the descriptions on which the species have been 

 founded. Among this number must be included the Tor- 

 trix MELANOSTiCTA of Merrem, Tent., p. 82, established 

 after Russel, Sup. i., No. 42, which seems to belong to 

 the genus Anguis ; the Tortrix reticulata, ib., which 

 has for its type Scheuchzer, Bibl. Sacra, pi. 747, f. 4, 

 which is a representation, of the Typhlops lumbricalis ; 

 the Tortrix Russelii, which is only known from a descrip- 

 tion by Pallas, under the designation of Anguis miliaris ; 

 lastly, we must reject the Tortrix brachyura and T. 

 annulata of Merrem, p. 82 and 83, which repose on too 

 slight a foundation to merit a place in systems. — Schlegel, 

 part ii. 



The Second Family of Innocuous Ophidians is The 

 Vermiform ; and contains but a single genus, 



CALA MARIA. 



It consists of small terrestrial snakes, with a body almost 

 constantly cylindrical, like a pack-thread, and terminated 

 by a tail usually conical and short. The head is generally 

 on the same line as the body, and covered with plates, with 

 those of the muzzle usually less numerous than in the fol- 

 lowing genera. The Calamai s present often iridescent tints, 

 and the red predominates sometimes in the under parts ; 

 the scuta are rarely numerous. They inhabit hot climates 

 or near the tropics, and are found in both worlds. 



1. Calamaria Lumbricoidea is one of the most remark- 

 able species, and is very rare in Java and Celebes. Its body, 

 several feet in length, is, throughout, of the thickness of a 

 swan's quill ; the tail is short, conical, and exhibits from 

 16 to 23 divided scuta. There are only two frontal plates 

 which at the same time occupy the place of the frenals ; 

 there are but two oculars. Above of a blackish-blue, below 

 a bluish tint with blackish spots, and a yellow hue or ray 

 along the flanks. Scales smooth, square, and disposed in 

 13 rows. Abdominal scuta 190 to 217. Another species, 



