10 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



(b) arenicola ( Annandale) . — In this each scale on the back 

 is faintly tinged with buff, those on the head being faintly 

 vermiculated with the same hue. In life it is a pale flesh 

 colour. Belly white. Dr. Annandale met with this in South 

 India. 



(c) I have met with specimens of a uniform pale gray 

 hue, and with the eyes invisible. This may be due to 

 impending desquamation, and in that case does not 

 deserve recognition as a variety. I acquired specimens 

 from Assam. 



Habits. — The common blind snake is not often seen by 

 Europeans, or if seen is not recognized as a snake, its size and 

 general appearance allowing it to pass for an earthworm. It 

 spends most of its life beneath the surface soil, through which 

 it burrows nimbly, and is often brought to light by the cooly's 

 hoe, or the ryot's plough. It is likely to be met with by the 

 amateur gardener in and about his pots, in the heap of leaf 

 mould, or in the soil freshly turned over by the trowel. It not 

 infrequently secretes itself beneath stones or debris. After 

 heavy rains it is not infrequently seen on the ground by those 

 who can recognize it, after being swamped out of its subter- 

 ranean burrows. On such occasions it is met with singly, but 

 it has been occasionally discovered in large colonies inhabiting 

 rotten wood. 



It is an active little creature, making vigorous attempts to 

 escape if dislodged from its hiding place. When handled it 

 shows its resentment by vehement struggles, and is most 

 difficult to hold owing to the high polish of its scales. When 

 its struggles have quieted down, it presses the little spine with 

 which its tail is endowed into the hand, anchoring itself as it 

 were, and from the purchase so derived wriggles about rest- 

 lessly in all directions, pushing its nose about, and insinuating 

 itself forcibly between the clefts of one's fingers. Above 

 ground, its progress is smooth and active, and in water it 

 swims well. Under excitement it protrudes the tongue like 

 other snakes. 



This is almost certainly the species which some years ago 

 invaded the water supply in Calcutta, many specimens finding 

 their way into the pipes of distribution. Much surprise and 



