138 



LIZARDS. 



of the dimensions attained by the last, this lizard is likewise a stoutly - built 

 creature, with the rather small head slightly longer than broad, the body some- 

 what depressed, a slight spiny crest on the nape, continued as a low ridge 

 on the back, and the scales of the latter small and keeled, while the slightly 

 larger ones on the lower surface are smooth. Although devoid of a pouch, 

 and with but a very slight transverse fold, the throat is strongly plicate 

 longitudinally, and is covered with minute granules. The stout limbs terminate in 

 very short toes, of which the third in the hind-foot is serrated on the inner margin 



GALAPAGOS LAND-LIZARD (£ nat. size). 



of its basal joint. On the thigh the pores are arranged in a long series, and vary 

 from seventeen to twenty-one in number. In length the tail scarcely exceeds the 

 head and body, while in form it is slightly compressed, having a low ridge 

 superiorly, and being covered with small keeled scales of uniform size. In general 

 colour the creature is dark brown, with the head and under-parts lighter. 



These lizards are confined to the central islands of the Galapagos Group, such 

 as Albemarle and James Islands, where they are found in great numbers in the 

 low barren districts near the coasts, although also met with in the elevated damp 

 regions of the interior. On James Island Darwin found them so numerous, that 

 it was difficult to obtain a spot free from their burrows on which to pitch a tent. 

 Attaining a weight of from 10 to 15 lbs. these lizards are lazy and sluggish 

 in their movements, crawling slowly along with their bellies and tails dragging on 



