ORDER OPHIDIA. 281 



is black above, yellow underneath. Although very 

 venomous, it is eaten at Otaheite. 



I have added to these two subgenera, that of 



Chersydrus, Cuv., 



Whose head and entire body are equally covered 

 with small scales. 

 Such is, 



The Oular-Umpe. {Acrocliordus FasciatuSy Sh.) 

 Rept. pi. cxxx. 



A very venomous serpent which inhabits the bottom 

 of the rivers of Java. 



The third and last family of the Ophidians, or 



The Naked Serpents, 



Comprehends but one very singular genus, and 

 which most naturalists think should be referred to 

 the Batracians, although it is not known whether 

 it be subject to metamorphosis. It is that of 



Ccecilia. 



Thus named, because its eyes, excessively small, are 

 pretty nearly concealed under the skin, and are 

 sometimes wanting. The skin is smooth, viscous, 

 and furrowed with folds, or annular wrinkles. It 



