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 



