SERPENTS. 



287 



ORDER OPHIDIA.* 



The first Order of true Reptiles includes the Serpent tribes, 

 animals entirely deprived of limbs, and yet endowed with most 

 formidable attributes. Unfurnished with any apparent means of 

 progression, the scale-clad serpent makes its way in either ele- 



\ 



FIG. 310. SKELETON OF SERPENT. 



ment with equal facility. Destitute of any prehensible members, 

 it seizes and devours the strongest and most active prey ; it binds 

 its victims in a living rope, or with a single scratch inflicted by its 

 envenomed fangs speedily destroys the stoutest assailant. The 

 Ophidian Reptiles are arranged in five families. 



FAMILY L WATER-SERPENTS. 



The Water- Serpents (Hydrophid<z\-\ as their name imports, 

 are aquatic, many living in the sea, and others in fresh water. 

 They are chiefly natives of the East Indies and the Indian seas. 



* 0t?, ophis, a serpent ; ddos, eidos, form or shape. 

 f vup, hudor, icaier ; c<pis, ophis, a snake. 



