BLINDWORM, Anguis fragilis, a small reptile, which, although it has commonly been ranked among serpents by naturalists, in consequence of agreement in general form, exhibits remarkable points of difference from the true serpents, and constitutes one of an interesting series of links by which they are connected with lizards. Mr. Gray has therefore recently united this, and other nearly allied genera, with the stink and sops family of saurian reptiles under the name of saurophidla (lizard-serpents). amongst which the gradation from the lizard to the serpent structure is marked by the more and more complete disappearance of limbs, and the increasing elongation of the body. In the genus anguis there is no trace of limbs externally, but the bones of the shoulder, the sternum or breast-bone, and the pelvis still exist in a rudimentary condition: the bones of the head, also, connect it with lizards, and do not admit of that dilatation of the gape which characterizes true serpents. The common B. is the only species of this genus known in Britain. It is found also in almost all parts of Europe. In some districts of Britain it is plentiful; in others, it is very rare or even unknown. It is a perfectly inoffensive creature, although it has very generally been persecuted by the ignorant as extremely venomous. Its teeth are so small that even when it attempts to bite, which it only does upon much irritation, it cannot pierce the skin. No species of the group to which it
belongs has poison-fangs. It is very timid, and, when alarmed, contracts itself forcibly, and then becomes remarkably brittle, so as to be easily broken in two by a blow or by an attempt to bend it. This character of fragility is found also in other animals of this group. The name B. has apparently originated in a mistake caused by the smallness of the eyes, which, however, are very quick and brilliant. Another common name slow gram ?, is more accurately characteristic. The length varies from 11 to 15 in., and some times even exceeds this; the thickness is almost equal throughout, the tail is blunt at the end; the scales are small, and nearly equal; the tongue is notched at the extremity, but not bifid as in snakes; the color is generally silvery gray, a dark line rims along the back, and frequently rows of dark spots along the sides. The food of the B. consists of slugs and insects. It retires in autumn under masses of decayed wood and leaves, or into soft dry soil. It changes its akin. It is viviparous (ovoviviparous), the number of young varying from 7 to 12 or 13 at a birth. The name B. is sometimes given to caxtZia (q.v.).