OF REPTILES. 
325 
than the female, and seems to have a larger body and a 
more slender tail. The general length of this snake 
seems to be about four or five feet, and the tail long in 
proportion to the body. 
Sooty Amphisb^na, or Blind Snake. (PL 53.) 
This species grows usually to the length of one or two 
feet, of which the tail never exceeds an inch, or an inch 
and a quarter. The eyes are exceedingly small, and co- 
vered in such a manner by a membrane, as to be hardly 
perceptible; from which circumstance, it has been called 
the blind serpent. The top of the head is covered by 
six large scales, in three rows of two each; and the body 
is entirely covered with smooth scales of an almost 
square form, arranged with regular transverse rings. 
This animal is found in India, particularly in the isle 
of Ceylon; and likewise in America. Its habits are in 
a great measure unknown; but it feeds on earth-worms, 
beetles, and various insects; it is particularly fond of de- 
vouring ants; which in numberless legions often destroy 
all before them, leaving every thing desolate, as if de- 
stroyed by fire. Having the power of advancing or with- 
drawing itself without injury, in consequence of its 
structure, this serpent is peculiarly fitted for penetrating 
into the subterraneous retreats of^ants, worms, and other 
insects; and is able to dig deeper than any other serpent, 
its skin being very hard, and its muscles very strong. 
Egyptian Asp. (PL 53.) This animal is about 
three feet in length; the head is rather large, and covered 
with small carinated scales, the body with larger, of simi- 
lar structure; the colour is pale rufous gray, and along 
the upper parts are three longitudinal ranges of deep 
rufous spots, bordered with black, and which unite or 
become confluent towards the tail, in such a manner as 
to exhibit the appearance of a zigzag band, resembling 
in some degree that of the common viper: the under 
parts are of a dusky colour, marbled with dull yellow: 
in the structure of its fangs it resembles the viper, and 
is said to be equally poisonous. The nose is terminated 
by an erect wart-like excrescence. 
This creature preys by smell, and feeds on rats, mice; 
• .2 F 
