112 



SAURIA. VARANID^. 



forked at the point; their eyes furnished with 

 two distinct lids, in addition to the auditory con- 

 duits ; their body depressed instead of being 

 compressed ; and on account of the relative length 

 of their tail, which is never prehensile. From 

 the Gechotidce, in the fonn and inequality of the 

 length of the toes, the movements of the tongue, 

 and the presence of movable lids. From the 

 Iguanadce, in the scales of the trunk, the absence 

 of a dorsal crest, and the vaginal conformation 

 of the tongue. From the Lacertadce, in tlie dif- 

 ference of the teguments of the head and body, 

 and the form of the teeth. Finally, from the 

 Chalcididce and the Scincidce, in the non-rounded 

 form of the trunk, and the distinct origin of the 

 tail, the structure of the tongue, and especially 

 in the form and disposition of the scales. 



The teeth of the Varanidce are always flattened 

 at the root, which is lodged in the length of a 



UNDER JAW OF MONITOR. 



furrow constituting a common alveolus or socket, 

 having no internal border. The crowns or free 

 portions of the teeth are most commonly pointed 

 and curved backwards. There are no teeth in 

 the palate. The neck is longer in proportion 

 than in other Lizards, which gives them an un- 

 usual aspect. 





