504 . Reptiles. 
American reptiles, which are of a harmless nature, being 
destitute of those fangs which prepare the venom in 
poisonous serpents. It is indeed doubtful whether the 
Amphisbaenas are really snakes, and by many naturalists 
they are arranged amongst the lizards, although they 
have no limbs. The head is so small, and the tail so thick 
and short, that at first sight it is difficult to distinguish 
one from the other ; and this circumstance, united to the 
animal's habit of proceeding either backwards or forwards 
as occasion may require, gave rise to the supposition 
throughout the native regions of the Amphisbaana, that 
it had two heads, one at each extremity, and that it was 
impossible to destroy one by simple cutting, as the two 
heads would mutually seek one another and reunite ! 
The colour of the commonest species is a deep brown 
varied with patches of white. The body is ornamented 
by more than two hundred rings, and the tail by 
about twenty-five. The eyes are almost concealed by 
a thick membrane, and this, together with their small 
size, has given rise to the idea that the Amphisbaana is 
blind. It grows to the length of eighteen inches or two 
feet. Its food consists of worms and insects, and espe- 
cially ants, in the mounds of which it generally con- 
ceals itself. The ancients gave the name of Amphisbsena 
to what they considered a two-headed serpent ; but it 
is not known with certainty which of the serpent tribe 
they meant, as their Amphisbasna is described by Lucan 
as venomous, though in his lines elegance of language, 
beaut} 7 of versification, and liveliness of fancy, have 
perhaps a greater claim than truth to the admiration of 
the reader : — 
" "With hissings fierce, dire Amphisbsenas rear 
Their double heads, and rouse the soldier's fear. 
Eager he flies : more eager they pursue ; 
On every side the onset quick renew ! 
With equal swiftness face or shun the prey, 
And follow fast when thought to run away. 
Thus on the looms the busy shuttles glide, 
Alternate fly, and shoot at either side." 
