simple appendages. There are, in general, toes on each foot, to the number of three or four, but these are very minute, and in some species can scarcely be considered as more than little scaly tubercles. There are no femoral pores. The form is elongated and snake-like; but a slight lateral fold is perceptible, in which is a row of oblong and minute tubercles. The tongue is arrow-like in figure, with a sharp and bifid point; and its surface is covered with large, flat, imbricated papillæ, resembling, in form and arrangement, the scales of a fish. Four species are described, one (the C. Schlegeli) a native of Java; the rest are found in Guiana, Columbia, and Chili.

GENUS PSEUDOPUS.

From these Reptiles, which in their form and movements resemble snakes, with four minute, and scarcely distinguishable limbs, of little use as organs of locomotion, and which do not support the body, we pass to the genus Pseudopus, in which there are no anterior limbs at all, and the posterior limbs are mere scaly and small appendages. The form of the body is completely snake-like, and its movements are serpentine. There are teeth on the palate. The tongue is thin, and like an arrow head, bifid at the point, and covered with papillæ of two kinds; a deep longitudinal furrow runs down each side of the trunk.

The only example of this genus, is the SCHELTOPUSIK, (Pseudopus Pallasii, Cuv.,) so called by the natives of the desert of Naryn, near the Volga. It is a native, as already stated, of Africa, bordering the Mediterranean, of the Morea, Dalmatia, and southern Siberia; and was first described by Pallas, under the title of Lacerta apoda.

Resembling a snake in form and habits, this Reptile measures about eighteen inches in length, and is of a reddish yellow, or chesnut, clouded with black.

It appears to frequent wooded valleys, where the herbage is abundant; and it gives chase to small Lizards, which, together with insects, constitute its food. It

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conceals itself amidst the tangled brushwood, and retreats on the slightest alarm. By the parties engaged in the "Voyage Scientifique en Morée," this Reptile was found in the Peloponesus. The first which was seen was basking in the vernal sun, after emerging from its winter retreat, and was instantly demolished by its discoverers, with the butt end of their guns; they were surprised to find it destitute of fangs, and consequently not poisonous.

Subsequently, many other specimens were captured, and kept alive in rooms, their quiet and inoffensive disposition rendering them easily reconciled to such a degree of captivity. They were fed upon hard-boiled eggs, by no means a natural diet, and for which, we would think, more appropriate aliment might easily have been substituted. On one occasion, indeed, one of these Reptiles got access to a nest of young birds, which it soon demolished, and, no doubt, fully enjoyed.

GENUS CHIROTES.

The genus Chirotes, to which we next pass, is destitute of every trace of posterior limbs; but there is a pair of short, anterior limbs, placed near the head, and terminating in four toes, armed with claws, and a tubercle representing the fifth. These limbs are connected with scapulæ, clavicles, and a short sternum, or breast-bone. The head is small and blunt, and covered with plates; there is no auditory orifice. The body is snake-like, and cylindrical; and the head, neck, and trunk are of equal circumference. The body is covered with little square compartments, disposed circularly.

Only one species is known; the MEXICAN CHIROTES, (C. canaliculatus, Cuv.) The colour of the upper surface of this animal is yellow, each square having a dash of chesnut; the under surface is white. The eyes are almost imperceptible, covered with transparent skin, but destitute of eyelids. This extraordinary Reptile is eight or ten inches in length: it is a native of Mexico; and was first described by Lacépède, under the title, Le

Cannelé. habits.

We can collect nothing definite, as to its

We now arrive at the genera utterly destitute of limbs, which are usually classed with the serpents, and to which, indeed, they approximate in many of their characters. Of these, we first notice the genus Amphisbæna.

GENUS AMPHISBÆNA.

The Reptiles of this genus may be recognised by the head, body, and tail being of the same circumference: there are no limbs. The head is generally blunt, and short; and the muzzle resembles a small arched, or rounded beak. The eyes are rather to be distinguished by the elevation of the thin horny plate which covers them, than by any distinct mark; in some species, however, they may be seen as dark spots through the transparent plate. The skin is marked by square compartments, forming circles round the body.

M. Bibron enumerates ten species, of which one is a native of Guinea, another of North Africa, Portugal, and Spain; the rest are American.

with

Of the American species, we may notice the Dusky AMPHISBÆNA, (A. fuliginosa,) and the WHITE AMPHISBÆNA, (A. alba,) which measure nearly two feet in length. In both, the eyes are apparent. These Reptiles bore the ground, like worms, and they move either way equal facility. They are found in Brazil and Cayenne, and usually tenant the earthy structures raised by the termite ants, which they follow through their winding galleries, for the purpose of feeding on them. (See engraving.)

We have seen several of these animals alive; they are unpleasing in appearance, and destitute of grace or agility in their movements; they crawl slowly along, and languidly twist their bodies when handled, opening their mouth, but making no decided effort to bite.

The natives of Brazil believe, that these animals are