16 CHECK LiST OF THE 



GENUS EUMECES. 



(i 6) Eumeces fasciatus. 



(Blue-tailed Lizard.) 



This variable species seems to be generally distributed throughout 

 the Province, though not abundant anywhere. Specimens have been taken 

 in the County of Peterboro', in Lincoln, and in most of the south-western 

 counties. It is very active in hot weather. Feeds upon insects and is 

 perfectly harmless. 



(*) (17) Eumeces anthr acinus. 

 (Coal Skink.) 



The only records I have of this species, are Dr. Garnier's, his speci- 

 mens having been taken in the County of Kent. 



(*) (18) Eumeces septentrionalis. 

 (Northern Skink.) 



This species has a wide distribution northward. Dr. Gamier found 

 it in southern Ontario and there are specimens in the U. S. Nat. Museum 

 from the Red River of the North. It should therefore be found in all 

 suitable places in the western part of the Province. 



Order TESTUDINATA. (The Turtles ) 



Reptiles with the body enclosed between two, more or less developed, 

 bony shields, which are usually covered by horny epidermal plates, but 

 sometimes by a leathery skin. Upper shield (carapace) and lower shield 

 (plastron) more or less united along the sides. 



Neck and tail the only flexible parts of the spinal column ; these, to- 

 gether with the legs, usually retractile within the cavity between the two 

 shields. 



The skull is more compact than that of the other reptiles. There 

 are no teeth, but the jaws are encased in horny sheaths, usually with 

 sharp cutting edges ; the eye is*f urnished with two lids and a nictitating 

 membrane as in birds. 



All our species are oviparous, depositing their eggs in hollows which 

 they dig in the soil near water. The eggs are then covered with the earth 

 or sand and left to hatch. 



FAMILY TRIONYCHID^. (THE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLES.) 



Body flat, nearly circular ; carapace and plastron covered by a thick 

 leathery skin which is flexible at the margins. Head long and pointed, 

 with a flexible tubular pig-like snout, neck long. Feet broadly webbed. 

 Aquatic and carnivorous, feeding upon fish, frogs, etc. 



