Mr. Bell on a new Genus of Scincidee. 393 



brushwood, or even under the surface of the ground, where it would 

 force a passage in the pursuit of insects and worms, on which all these 

 animals probably feed. 



The arrangement of the scales in the Amphishanidce generally, is 

 calculated to afford in an equal degree the power of progression and retro- 

 gression; as they are in no case imbricated, but placed side by side, 

 with the posterior as well as the anterior and lateral margins closely con- 

 nected with the skin. They are the only Reptilia which c:in with strict 

 propriety be termed double marcheurs. 



Art. LIII. Description of a new Genus of Reptilia of the 

 family Scincidce. By Thomas Bell, Esq., F. R. S^ L. S., 



gjc. 



Fam. SciNClDiE (Scincoidea, Filzinger.) 



Genus Lerista. 



Char. Gen. Caput scutatum. Palpehrce nullse. Aures sub cute laten- 

 tes. Corpus gracile ; sgiMamffi leeves, sequales. Pedes quatuor ; anteri- 

 ores exigui, brevissimi, didactyh ; posteriores longiores, tridactyli. 

 ^nuA simplex, semicircularis. Pari prcBanales etfemorales nvlli. 



Lerista lineata. 



iEneo-viridescens, subtus paUidior ; lineis binis dorsalibus, et binis 

 lateralibus, nigris. 



Tab. xvi, fig. 2. 

 Habitat in Australia. 

 Mus. nost. 



The specimen on which I have thought it necessary to found this 

 genus, was presented to me by my friend John Dalrymple, Esq., with 



