SNAKE-LIZARDS. 135 



are scale-shaped in front, and slender or bristle- 

 shaped 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 com- 

 pressed, and sharp-pointed ; the scales 

 are marked with numerous strice, or 

 delicate lines. . ^ , scale of 



One of the largest species oi the ^ally-wasp. 

 Family is the Gaily- wasp or Gully- 

 asp 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 Gaily -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 Land- 

 crab (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. 



