52 



OUR EEPTILES. 



plates, of which, there are three between the eyes, 

 and those above and below are arranged in pairs. 

 The scales along the back are oval and distinctly 

 keeled, with those of the sides broader, and less 

 keeled. On the belly the plates are single, 

 extending from side to side, and about one 

 hundred and seventy in number; but in this 

 there is also variation. The under plates of 

 the tail are in pairs. Behind the head is a 

 broad collar or a pair of spots of a bright 

 yellow colour, behind which are black spots. 

 The teeth are in two rows in both upper and 

 lower jaws, and the tongue is forked to one- 

 third of its length. 



