13LIND-W0EM. 



103 



the rostral plate rounded in front, and tlie body fusiform, with 

 well- developed limbs, which terminate always in the full comple- 

 ment of toes. A few species of the SdnciJice have no external 

 limbs, thus approximating in their appearance to certain of the 

 burrowing- Ophidians.] 



The Orvet, or Blind-worm, Anguis fragilis, is small, cylindrical 

 in shape, about eleven or twelve inches in length, and having the 

 exterior appearance of Snakes. The scales which cover the body 

 are small, smooth and shining, being red in the middle, and 

 edged with white, of a silvery yellow on the upper part, and 

 dusky beneath ; the sides somewhat dusky brown, and the throat 

 slightly marbled with white, black, and j^ellow. Two larger spots 



Fig. 26.— Orvet, or Blind-worm (^Anguis fragilis). 



appear, one above the muzzle, the other upon the back of the 

 head ; from this point two blackish longitudinal rays start, which 

 extend to the tail, as well as two other nut-brown rays, which 

 start from the eyes; the markings vary, however, in different 

 countries, and probably with age and sex. 



The Orvet is found in woods and dry, sandy, and stony 

 wastes. They are timid, harmless creatures, retiring into holes 

 and concealing themselves in moss at the foot of trees to hide 

 themselves from observation. They feed upon worms, insects, 

 and the smaller mollusks. Although perfectly harmless, the 



