BY GEKAED KREFFT. 35 



Colubrine snakes may be easily distinguished from the venomous 

 species by the deep curve which the gape of the mouth forms ; 

 whilst, in the venomous snakes, the gape is always a more or less 

 straight line. In the members of the Boa family the line is 

 straight, as in venomous snakes, but these are easily distinguished 

 by the rudimentary limbs, in shape like a small spur situated 

 near the anus. 



I have added Dr. Giinther's description of the two species of 

 Sea- Snakes which occur on our coast ; both of which may be 

 considered harmless, having only very small fangs and I take 

 this opportunity to thank that eminent naturalist for the kind 

 assistance he has so frequently rendered me. I also beg to assure 

 those contributors to the Museum who have furnished me with the 

 means of adding to the knowledge of our Reptiles, that I shall 

 always consider myself under deep obligations to every one 

 of them. 



FIRST SUBORDER. 



OPHIDII COLUBEIFORMES INNOGUL 

 INNOCUOUS COLUBRLNE SNAKES. 



Snakes without grooved fang in front, comprising the follow- 

 ing families : 



1. Typhlopidce, or Blind Snakes". 



2. DendropMdcB, or Tree- Snakes. 



3. Dipsadidce, or Nocturnal Tree-Snakes; and 



4. Pythonidce, or Rock-Snakes. 



1. TYPHLOPHXE ; OR BLIND SNAKES. 

 Typhlops. Sclmeid. 

 Typhlops riipelli. Jan. 

 The Blind Snake. 



Scales in 22 rows. Rostral large and broad above, narrowing 

 below ; Preoculars much larger at the base than at the tip, third 

 upper labial in contact with the ocular and preocular. Anterior 

 scales smaller than the posterior ones. Tail short, cylindrical, 



