THE STROBILOSAUEA. 



499 



This reptile has much the same habits as the fan-foot, and possesses 

 equally the ability to run over a perpendicular wall. During the day- 

 time it conceals itself in some chink or dark crevice, but in the even- 

 ing it leaves its retreat, moving rapidly and with such perfectly silent 

 tread that the ignorant natives may well be excused for classing it 

 among supernatural beings. The Gecko occasionally utters a curious 

 cry, which has been compared to that peculiar clucking sound employ- 

 ed by riders to stimulate their horses, and in some species the cry is 

 very distinct and said to resemble the word " Geck-o," the last syllable 



The Gecko {Gecko v&v^). 



being given smartly and sharply. On account of this cry the Geckos 

 are variously called Spitters, Postilions, and Claquers. 



During the cold mouths of the year the Geckos retire to winter-quar- 

 ters, and are thought to retain their condition during this foodless sea- 

 son by means of two fatty masses at the base of the abdomen, which are 

 supposed to nourish them as the camel is nourished by the hump. The 

 male is smaller than the female, and the eggs are very spherical, and 

 covered with a brittle chalky shell. The color of the Gecko is reddish 

 gray with white spots. The scales of the back are flat and smooth, and 

 there is also a series of rather large tubercular projections arranged in 

 twelve distinct rows. 



We now arrive at an important tribe of Lizards, called by the name 

 of Strobilosaura, a title derived from two Greek words, one signify- 

 ing a " fir-cone " and the other " a lizard," and given to these creatures 

 because the scales that cover their tails are set in regular whorls and 

 bear some resemblance to the projecting scales of the fir-cone. In 

 all these reptiles the tongue is thick, short, and very slightly nicked 

 at the tip. The eyes have circular pupils, and are formed for day 

 use. 



