The _Uropeltidæ_, or Shield-tails, constitute a very curious family of Burrowing Snakes, which bear considerable resemblance to the _Typhlopidæ_, but have a very peculiar, short, strong, posteriorly shielded tail, adapted for working their way below the surface. The species are mostly small, and hitherto they have been found chiefly in Ceylon, but a few also in the peninsula of India. They are by no means scarce, but escape observation from their peculiar mode of life. Dr. Kelaart remarks that "they are timid creatures, seldom making their appearance above ground; living chiefly in ant-hills or dunghills, sometimes also several feet deep in rich loamy soil. They feed on ants, small earth-worms, and the larvæ of insects, and at least one species has been ascertained to be viviparous. Five genera and eighteen species of them are recognised." The _Calamaridæ_ form an extensive family of diminutive slender Snakes, from one to two feet in length, many species of which inhabit both the Old World and the New, though the same kinds are not found both East and West. They keep to the ground, beneath stones, fallen trees, &c.; and their food appears to consist chiefly of insects. They are gentle, and never attempt to bite, and themselves very commonly become the prey of the smaller _Elapidæ_, certain of which indeed bear considerable resemblance in appearance to the _Calamaridæ_, but are readily distinguished by possessing the poison-fangs. The _Oligodontidæ_ are another extensive family of small ground Snakes, which are peculiar to South-eastern Asia and its great archipelago. They conduct to the terrene genera of the great family _Colubridæ_.