CORDYLUS MICROLEPIDOTUS. 



dark blotches described in treating of the colouring of this lizard ; other 

 folds, though not so distinctly marked, are observed to traverse the upper 

 surface of the neck, and, like those of the sides, evidently result from the 

 skin on these situations being more extensive than the parts it is destined to 

 cover, in order to permit the head to move freely. The skin of the back of 

 the neck, and of the back and sides of the body, is covered with two descrip- 

 tions of scales, the one description considerably larger than the other, more 

 or less orbicular, and disposed in rows, which can be traced either longitudi- 

 nally or transversely, and each of these scales is more or less carinated, par- 

 ticularly towards its posterior edge, the carina, however, are less acute in 

 adult specimens than in young ones, and less on the sides than the back, 

 probably from the effects of friction. The second description of scales occur 

 in the interstices between the ones just described, and are very small, some- 

 what circular, and without keels, and the sides of the neck are entirely 

 coated with scales of this description. The superior and hinder surfaces of 

 the leg are covered with somewhat diamond-shaped scales, all of which 

 are strongly keeled, and the keel of each posteriorly forms a sharp elevated 

 spine ; the scales coating the under and anterior surfaces of the fore-legs 

 smaller than those on their upper part, and with less distinct keels. Those 

 of the anterior and inferior surfaces of the hinder leg, large, fiat, somewhat 

 quadrangular, and without keels. Feet rather slender, and covered with 

 keeled scales. Toes long, delicate, and free. Claws short, curved, pointed, 

 and laterally compressed. Chin and anterior part of throat covered with 

 small, somewhat quadrangular scales ; posterior part of throat and space 

 between fore-leg coated with large, imbricate, irregular scales, not in distinct 

 rows; rest of under part of body with ten rows of four-sided plates, the 

 greatest length of each plate transversely. Tail rigid, and very hard, thick 

 at the base, from whence it tapers to a fine point ; above it is fiat and rather 

 broad, below narrow and slightly rounded, hence its section exhibits some- 

 what of a triangular form, two angles being formed by the edges of the upper 

 surface, and the third by the under surface. The scales on this part of 

 the reptile are disposed in rings, towards the base each ring consists 

 of two circles of scales, and towards the apex only of one ; all the scales of 

 the upper and lateral parts are carinated, and the carince are most 

 developed in those situated over the lateral angles, particularly towards the 

 base of the tail, where they terminate posteriorly in prominent sharp spines. 

 On the lower parts of the sides, and on the centre of the upper surface, the 

 keels are much less marked, and are not prolonged into acute spines ; 



