THE ACU \TIAS, OR JAVELIN 8XAKB. 



The t^th of tlie Sepfl are small, conical, ami simple, and there ore no iwth mi the palate, 

 which is grooved longitudinal]} . Tin- .-yi-li.ls are scaly. and the lower baa a transparent disc. 

 The toes are thi>-- in number on each foot, and very feeble; the tell is conical and pointed. 



color of ill,- common s-ps is K iv\, with four longitudinal brown streak*, which, on a 

 inspection, are found to COHM-I of a sooecarion of brown dot*. 



Two members of the Sepsidn deserve a passing notice before we pass to the next family. 

 The first is tin- (' M-I-I i:u 1 1> Spn.r.Noi-s (tfphtrnopt teptoidet). 



This reptile is a native of Northern Africa, but seems to have a rather restricted range, 

 being seldom, if -ver, found out of Egypt. In Home parts of that country it is very plentiful, 

 being found in the rice grounds, under hedges, and on the roads where the wheels of passing 

 \-iiiii'- ii.r. -A "Mi !! i -'it-, hdatd, it !!"- ' IMP* pndQaoMoi En ridfid pond, 

 over which it passes with considerable speed, and is not to be captured without the exercise of 

 some agility. It is quite harmless, and even when caught, struggles with all it* might to 

 escape, but does not attempt to bite the hand that holds it. Like many other reptiles of 

 similar form, it burrows in the ground, but makes it* tunnel so near the surface of the ground. 

 und in so horizontal a direction, that the foot of a traveller will often lay open the superficial 

 retreat and render its inmate homeless for a time. 



The andeot Egyptians seem to have held this little reptile in religious veneration, as there 

 are several known instances where it has been honored with the ceremony of embalming, and 

 placed in the sacred tombs, together with other creatures formerly reverenced as types of 

 <H\inity. 



The Sphamops ho* four legs, moderately well shaped, but rather weakly formed, and the 

 feet are divided into four toes, each of which is furnished at the extremity with a claw. The 

 li.-:i.| U \\e. li;e sha]ied, rounded in ttOtA, ' ;M:.I'-- ll -Ai'li'.ii' i.-. !h. ;,,,.! t|,,. l,,u,-r e\e]j,| it 

 transparent. The general color of the Sphaenops is pale brown, with a longitudinal series of 

 black dots, and a black streak on each side of the muzzle. 



OUB last example of this family is the TILIOUOC (Qongylu* ocelldfn*). or ETED TILIQUA, 

 another of the numerous reptiles classed under the common title of Mabouya by the ignorant 

 and fearful. 



It inhabits the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and is found in Sardinia, Malta, 

 Egypt, and even in Teneriffe. Like the preceding species, it is quick and active in it* move- 

 ments, and when seized does not attempt to bite. It IB a lover of dry and elevated spot*, 

 where the sand is loose, and there are plenty of stones tinder which it may hide itaelf. The 

 food of this reptile consists of insects. Besides the names which have already been mentioned, 

 it is also called LACKPEDK'S GALLIWASP and the OCELLATED SKINK. 



In coloring it is one of the most variable of reptiles, but the general tint* are gray, with a 

 bronze gloss, diversified by a number of white spots edged with black. It has four legs, the 

 toes are five on each foot, the bead is conical, with a rounded muzzle, and the lower eyelid baa 

 a transparent disc. 



THE ACOXTIAD.C form the next family, which contains three genera. The head is small, 

 the upper eyelid is either very small or altogether absent. the Uly is cylindrical, and the 

 limlw, when present, are very weak and small. In two of the genera, Nessia and Evesio, 

 there are four limbs, in the former with three toes, and in the latter with the feet small, im- 

 perfect, and not divided into toes. The upper eyelid is distinct though small. 



IN the ACOXTIAS, or JAVELIN SXAKE, the limbs are absent externally, and the npper eye- 

 lid is rudimentary. The body of this reptile is elongated and cylindrical, not unlike that of 

 the common blind worm. The name Acontias is derived from a Greek word signifying a javelin, 

 and has been given to this creature on account of the shape of the head, which bears some 

 resemblance to the point of a spear. Some writers think that the name is given in allusion to 

 its quick movements when seizing its prey. Aa in shape, so in habits it resembles the Mind- 



