INNOCUOUS SEEPENTS. 
129 
Writers on Ophiology have classed in the genus Toktrix 
several reptiles which must be rejected on a rigorous exa- 
mination of the descriptions on which the species have been 
founded. Among this number must be included the Tor- 
TRix MELANOSTiCTA of Merrem, Tent., p. 82, established 
after Russel, Sup. i.. No. 42, which seems to belong to 
the genus Anguis ; the Tortrix reticulata, ib., which 
has for its type Scheuchzer, Bibl. Sacra, pi. 747, f. 4, 
which is a representation of the Typhlops lumbricalis ; 
the Tortrix Russelii, which is only known from a descrip- 
tion by Pallas, under the designation of Anguis miliaris ; 
lastly, we must reject the Tortrix brachyura and T. 
ANNUL AT A of Merrem, p. 82 and 83, which repose on too 
slight a foundation to merit a place in systems. — Schlegel, 
part ii. 
The Second Family of Innocuous Ophidians is The 
Vermiform ; and contains but a single genus, 
CALAMARIA. 
It consists of small terrestrial snakes, with a body almost 
constantly cylindrical, like a pack-thread, and terminated 
by a tail usually conical and short. The head is generally 
on the same line as the body, and covered with plates, with 
those of the muzzle usually less numerous than in the fol- 
lowing genera. The Calamars present often iridescent tints, 
and the red predominates sometimes in the under parts ; 
the scuta are rarely numerous. They inhabit hot climates 
or near the tropics, and are found in both worlds. 
1. Cal AM aria Lumbricoidea is one of the most remark- 
able species, and is very rare in Java and Celebes. Its body, 
several feet in length, is, throughout, of the thickness of a 
swan’s quill ; the tail is short, conical, and exhibits from 
16 to 23 divided scuta. There are only two frontal plates 
which at the same time occupy the place of the frenals ; 
there are but two oculars. Above of a blackish-blue, below 
a bluish tint with blackish spots, and a yellow hue or ray 
along the flanks. Scales smooth, square, and disposed in 
13 rows. Abdominal scuta 190 to 217. Another species, 
