88 PHRYNOSOMA CORNUTA. 



The nostrils are very near the snout, latero-superior, and open ahnost vertically 

 within the internal margin of the superciliary ridge. The eyes are small and 

 sunken, with the pupil black and the iris dark grey. The margin of the upper 

 jaw is covered with about twelve small, quadrilateral, labial plates, all nearly of 

 the same size; the three or four posterior being rather smaller. The upper 

 margin of the lower jaw is covered with about as many labial plates, and of 

 nearly the same size and form; its inferior margin presents a series of six horny 

 points on each side, placed horizontally, and increasing in size from the anterior 

 to the posterior, and give a serrated appearance to the inferior and lateral margin 

 of the lower jaw. Above these points, but below the labial range of plates, are 

 two series of small scales. 



At the posterior border of the occiput is a transverse row of prominent spines, 

 nine in number, extending from near the front of one external meatus of the ear 

 to the other; two of these spines are very long, and occupy the posterior border 

 of the occipital region; three are placed externally to these on each side, and 

 decrease gradually in size from above downwards; the ninth spine, which is 

 smallest of all, is situated between the two central or longest: these spines are 

 nearly conical, but are flattened at their bases. The external meatus of the ear 

 is large and oval, most extensive in the vertical direction; this opening is 

 granulated posteriorly, and is a little prominent in front, where there are three or 

 four tubercles, with projecting points. 



The neck is very short, which gives the head the appearance of being attached 

 to the shoulders, like the toad. The chin is covered below with small rhomboidal 

 scales; besides these there are two rows of larger and pointed scales running to 

 the neck, within and parallel to the rows of spines that margin the lower jaw, but 

 separated from them by three or four series of small scales. The skin of the 

 neck is slightly folded transversely, but on the sides are larger folds that cover 

 depressions; the most remarkable is placed in front of the shoulder. The borders 

 of these folds are frequently armed with short spines. 



