BLIND WORMS. 
BY 
THE Rey. 
S. CORNISH WATKINS. 
(ee study of reptiles is a branch of Natural History that, in this country, might 
well be studied more assiduously, as there is still a good deal to be learned 
about their habits and mode of life. Many people have a curious horror of cold-blooded 
vertebrates, and instinctively dishke anything that reminds them of a snake. Whether 
this feeling has any connection with the serpent of the book of Genesis, or is only 
a relic of the terror that venomous reptiles in all ages have inspired, its result is 
to discourage inyestigation—certainly among those who have not any very special 
interest in zoology. Most of our British reptiles are shy and retiring in their 
habits, and rather shun than court observation, so that, except for an occasional 
toad or frog, dwellers in most parts of the country scarcely ever set eyes upon a 
reptile at all. 
Pre-eminently secretive in all its habits is the Blind Worm, the subject of this 
article. It is not often seen, and then generally withdraws itself as speedily as may be, 
seeking concealment under stones or among the roots of long grass. From the blind 
worm’s point of view this timidity is very excusable, for no creature is the subject of 
a more senseless and persistent persecution. 
In most people’s eyes the blind worm is a snake, and a snake is venomous, and 
therefore ought to be destroyed at sight; and so this most harmless and inoffensive 
of creatures lives with a sword constantly suspended over its head, and only appears 
in public at peril of its life. It should be unnecessary to state, but unfortunately is 
not, that a blind worm is not a snake at all, but only a legless lizard. Its mouth 
has not the wide gape of the true serpent’s, and is only provided with very minute 
teeth, and, of course, is quite destitute of poison-fangs. Its very name is misleading, 
for it is rather quick-sighted than otherwise, and its eyes, though small, are bright 
and beautiful. It is curious indeed how the blind worm could ever have acquired the 
evil reputation that it bears among country people, and is an instructive commentary 
upon the ignorance that prevails among the uneducated about the living creatures that 
inhabit their fields and hedge-rows. In many districts the blind worm is even more 
dreaded than the adder, and most remarkable stories are told about its savage and 
dangerous disposition. It is popularly credited with the power of standing erect upon 
its tail and leaping to great distances, while it is said to be a special provision of 
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