THE COMMON SKINK. 



57 



Specimens are said to have been found in some portions of Asia, and it seems to be 

 clearly proved to inhabit Syria and several parts of India. 



It is a tolerably active little Lizard, not running fast or far, but contenting itself with 

 hanging about the same locality, and feeling itself more secure on the sandy soil of its 

 native districts, than if wandering at large on the plains. Indeed, unless it is alarmed, 

 or except when it is aroused to short exertions by the presence of its prey, the Skink 

 seldom troubles itself to hurry its pace beyond a slow crawl ; and not even when most 

 startled, does it attempt to seek safety in flight. No sooner does it perceive the 

 approach of danger, than it slips below the sand with such singular speed and adroit- 

 ness, that those who have witnessed this performance, say that it seems rather to be 

 gliding into some hole already excavated, than to be engaged in the labor of sinking 

 a tunnel for the purpose of aiding its escape. Several travellers have seen the Skink 

 thus bury itself, and have all carried away the same opinion of its powers. 



COMMON SKINK. Sclacus officiaalis. 



If quietly approached, it may often be detected sleeping in the hot sunbeams, lying 

 stretched at length upon the stones or rocks, and so far steeped in slumber, that it 

 may be approached quite closely without taking alarm. 



The name of Officinal Skink has been given to this reptile on account of the high 

 place which it formerly held among the medical profession, and the extreme value 

 which it was thought to possess when dried, pounded, made up neatly into draughts or 

 boluses, and used as a medicine. There is hardly a disease to which the human race 

 is liable, which was not thought curable by the prepared body of this reptile, 

 certainly not the least repulsive of all the disgusting substances which the early 

 physicians delighted to choose from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdom, to 

 fill their multitudinous boxes and bottles, and to inflict upon their patients. Some- 

 times a physician would even evince his belief in the efficacy of his medicine by taking 

 it himself, and would swallow, with full belief in its healing powers, the burnt liver of a 

 hysena, the moss from a dead man's skull, the grated flesh of a mummy, or the remains 

 of a pounded lizard, together with many other substances too revolting to mention. 



