THE RINGTAIL PALLETTE-TIP. 255 



tremity of that organ, when the ground colour pales 

 to pure white, the transverse bands or rings become 

 deep black. The yellow stripes and the lilac bands 

 are all margined with a narrow line of black, which 

 greatly increases the effect of the rich colours. The 

 scales are large, and form a netted pattern over the 

 body. 



This most lovely little reptile was taken in the 

 parlour of my hospitable friend, J. Lewin, Esq., at 

 Montego Bay. On disturbing some papers on the 

 table, it darted out and I secured it. As I kept it 

 in captivity, I noticed the fleshy tongue used to lick 

 the lips, just in the manner of the little Sphcerio- 

 dactylus argus. It could not walk on the under 

 surface of glass, and slipped slowly down a perpen- 

 dicular pane. On a painted board it could maintain 

 its hold back-downwards, if the board were turned 

 slowly, to allow it time for preparation ; but if it 

 were turned suddenly, or if the reptile attempted 

 to walk, it fell. On rough surfaces it succeeded 

 better. The skin repelled water ; and it swam, 

 rather on the surface, than immersed. I put flies 

 into its box, but it disregarded them, manifesting 

 impatience only, when they crawled over its face. 

 No change of hue was exhibited ; I believe this 

 genus of Geckos have all their colours permanent. 

 The pupil was ordinarily almost circular, but con- 

 tracted to a perpendicular ellipse in the sun. The 

 claw is sheathed, or protruded at will, on the inner 

 side of the pallette, wherewith each toe is tipped, 

 supposing the foot to be directed forwards. 



I never met with another example of this pretty 



