and are found in a rudimentary state under the integument, the posterior ones constituting only small undivided processes. These also being removed, the Ophidian form of the present genus, [Anguis] and those of Tortix, Typhlops, and others, with all the Amphisbænida, succeed, in which the bones of the shoulder, the sternum, and the pelvis, exist in a more or less rudimentary condition; and lead us towards the true Snakes, in which all these parts are lost, excepting the rudiments of a posterior extremity, which in the Boa appears externally in the form of a small horny hook, or holder, on each side of the vent. In the Serpents, the gape, too, has assumed its extreme power of extension, from the bones of the jaws and other parts of the face being separate; and in most of them the scales, which in the former groups were similar on the upper and under parts of the body and tail, are small and imbricated above, whilst beneath they assume the form of broad transverse plates.'

The Scinks have the head covered with large horny plates, of angular forms, in contact with each other at their edges, with the sutures or divisions always distinct: the neck is of the same size as the breast; the body and limbs are clothed with scales, more or less angular, frequently wide, with a somewhat rounded edge, disposed in quincunx (or like the meshes of a net), and overlapping each other, much like the scales of a fish. The back is rounded, without any crest; the belly is also more or less rounded, and covered with scales similar to those of the back. The tongue is free, fleshy, not very thick, slightly * Brit. Reptiles, 40.

notched at the tip, and covered either totally or partially with scaly papillæ.

Thus the Scincida are at once distinguishable from all the Saurian Orders, except the Lacertade, by the broad plates which cover the head; and from the latter by the belly being clothed with scales not diverse from those which cover the rest of the trunk.

The Scinks are a harmless race, for the most part living upon insects, slugs, and worms; but one of the most typical species, the great Gallywasp of Jamaica, we have found to feed on fruits and other vegetable substances. Of their reproduction little seems known, but as the Gallywasps, the Mabouyas, and the Slow-worm are

viviparous, perhaps the same is true of the whole Family. They are commonly agile creatures, and the shortness of their limbs, and the smoothness of their scales, enable them to glide through small apertures with facility.

The geographical range of the species is very wide, they being spread, as MM. Duméril and Bibron observe, over nearly the whole surface of the globe, for they are found in very high latitudes, even in countries where the lowness of the temperature would seem to forbid the existence of Reptiles; thus the Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis), for example, is found as far north as Sweden, and perhaps farther. Their geographical distribution is otherwise remarkable. Europe does not possess a single species which is peculiar to itself, for though seven species are found there, they are all shared with Africa, and two of them also with Australia and Polynesia. Africa, besides these, has eighteen of its own; seventeen are peculiar to Asia, and three others it shares with America or Polynesia. Sixteen species are American, but one of these is also Asiatic, and another is cosmopolite. Australia and Polynesia are the regions richest in the Scincida, for they possess forty species, four only of which are common to other divisions; and it is remarkable that all the other Saurian Families are comparatively deficient there.

GENUS CELESTUS. (GRAY.)

The nostrils in this genus open on the sides of the muzzle, in the nasal plate; the tongue is notched at the tip, clothed with papillæ, which

are scale-shaped in front, and slender or bristleshaped behind; the teeth are conical or rounded; the palate is not furnished with teeth, but is furrowed lengthwise; the muzzle is somewhat obtuse; there are four feet, each terminating in five unequal toes, which are compressed, not toothed at their edges, and furnished with claws; the palms and soles of the feet are set with tubercles; the tail is conical, or slightly compressed, and sharp-pointed; the scales are marked with numerous striæ, or delicate lines.

SCALE OF GALLY-WASP.

One of the largest species of the Family is the Gally-wasp or Gullyasp of Jamaica (Celestus occiduus, GRAY), which grows to about two feet in length, and nine inches in circumference. Its head is large, and somewhat triangular, being pointed at the muzzle and swollen at the occiput; the legs and feet are very small, but perfectly formed. Its hue is pale yellow, irregularly spotted and dashed with brown, but the head is black.

The Gally-wasp inhabits marshy lowlands in the island above named, where it forms burrows in the soft earth by means of its short paws. These excavations resemble those of the Landcrab (Gecarcinus ruricola), but are deeper and more tortuous. The animal is nocturnal, rarely coming forth till after the heat of the day has begun to abate. It is not very timid, but will sit in the mouth of its hole, and retracting the skin of its lips, show its teeth at an intruder like a dog. Great dread is entertained of the bite of this reptile, which is held to be venomous.

That its muscular powers are great, there is no doubt, and that its blunt teeth would painfully bruise the flesh, and produce an injury perhaps more difficult to be healed than even a lacerated

wound, is not improbable. With all our inquiries made in the island, we have never been able to trace any direct accounts of serious mischief done by this animal; and those which seemed most circumstantial of second-hand narratives are such as in a great degree may be accounted for by the imagination,-the fears of the patient, in the case of a bite, being very highly excited. The creature is acknowledged, however, to be inoffensive, biting only in self-defence, when accidentally trodden on, or attacked.