SCINCUSFASCIATUS. 47 



line begins near each nostril, and unite at the occiput into a longitudinal vertebral 

 line, which becomes pale blue as it passes the posterior extremities, and finally 

 terminates about the anterior third of the tail; this line includes the half of two 

 contiguous scales, and has regular margins. Above and in front of the orbit of 

 the eye begins another line of the same colour, or a little more yellow; it takes 

 the same course, assumes the same blue colour when it has passed the posterior 

 extremities, and terminates nearly at the same distance on the tail. Beneath this 

 latter line is placed still another, which begins below and in front of the orbit, is 

 interrupted at the external meatus, again recommences behind it, and is continued 

 over the fore shoulder along the flanks to end on the tail: these two lines include 

 the upper half of one row of scales, and have their inferior borders only straight. 

 Between these yellowish-white lines the scales of the back are so imbricated as 

 to give the appearance of being braided like a whip-cord. 



The throat and abdomen are white. 



The anterior third of the tail is coloured like the back, but lightei-, and the five 

 lines are of delicate pale blue; beyond this the colour of the tail is the richest 

 ultra-marine blue above, a little paler below. 



The anterior extremities are brownish above and silvery-white below, with a 

 yellowish-white longitudinal line along the posterior face of the shoulder and fore 

 arm. The posterior extremities are coloured like the anterior, and have a similar 

 longitudinal line on their posterior surface; but this only extends the length of the 

 thigh. 



o 



Dimensions. Length of head, 7? lines; length of body, from head to vent, 2 

 inches 5 lines; length of tail beyond the vent, 5 inches; length of femur, 6 lines; 

 of leg, 6 lines; of tarsus and toes, 9 lines; total length, 8^ inches. 



Habits. The Scincus fasciatus is found in shady places, principally in forests 

 of oak, and frequently under the bark of decaying trees. It feeds on various 



