1 88 . SNAKES. 



three tails, which will suffice to exemplify their purpose 

 and utility. 



A curious modification is seen in the centre tail, belong- 

 ing to Uropcltis philippimts, which, as the name implies, 

 terminates in a round disk or shield. This snake is also 

 one of the smooth cylindrical forms, * admirably adapted 

 to burrowing,' says Dr. Giinther. Its truncated appearance 

 is as if it were chopped clean in halves. 



Tails of three burrowing snakes. 



Another is the CylindropJiis, from its form. Several of 

 the burrowing family are remarkable for a similarity of 

 head and tail, obscure features, inconspicuous eyes, and 

 very small mouth, rendering it difficult on first sight to 

 decide which is the head and which the tail. All beino; 

 feeble, inoffensive, and entirely harmless, the evil attached 

 to them of having * two heads ' is only another proof of the 

 prejudice and animosity displayed towards every creature 

 in the shape of a snake, however innocent. These poor 

 little 'blind-worms,' admirably organized to dig and burrow 

 and find their food in deep and hidden places, have their 

 uses. In countries where dangerous ants swarm, we might 

 well tremble for the consequences, had not nature antici- 

 pated such evils by providing insectivorous reptiles, as well 

 as birds and ant-eaters, to keep them in check. 



We must not omit one other of the family of burrowing 



