32 
DESCRIPTION OF 
so disposed as to appear polygonal. A series consisting of about 206 may be counted 
on the middle of the abdomen, hardly, if any thing, larger than the dorsal scales ; but the 
subcaudal squamae are very different, and might be termed scuta. The tail is very 
short, thick, cordate. 
The length , one foot eight inches, of which the tail claims only half an inch. The 
circumferences of the neck one inch and a half ; middle of the trunk two inches ; near 
the vent one inch seven lines. 
The colour of the head and back bluish black ; two yellowish spots on the nose, and 
two or three incomplete rings of the same colour on the occiput and neck. The belly 
of the same colour with the back and sides, but crossed by more than 30 broad, 
yellowish rings with ragged edges, some complete, but most of them imperfect ; the 
under part of the tail yellow tipped with black, and a black dot on each side of the 
vent. 
OBSERVATIONS. 
This anguis was received from Java, without description, or local name. 
Though it agrees in several circumstances with the Anguis Scytale of Linneus, it 
differs materially in the number of squamae. The dilatation of the subcaudal squamae 
resembling scuta is not marked in any of the descriptions or figures of the Scytale which 
have fallen in my way. 
No. XXVIII. 
ANGUIS. 
Squama Abdominales 20 7 . 
Squama Subcaudales 6. 
Called by the natives Shilay Pamboo. 
The head of this serpent thicker and more depressed than the very short thick tail, 
which, with a black dot on each side resembling eyes, might at first sight be mistaken 
for the head. The anterior pair of laminae are trigonal, and perforated near the base by 
the nostrils ; the second pair large, oblong ; between the eyes are three trigonal laminae, 
indented ; behind which there is a cluster of smaller angular laminae. 
The mouth proportionably large. A marginal row of teeth above ; no fangs. The 
eyes orbicular, very small. The nostrils on the edge of the rostrum. 
The trunk cylindrical, not much thicker than a swan’s quill, and nearly of equal 
