58 PHRYNOSOMACORNUTA. 



is margined with black; from the inferior and anterior part of the orbit descends, 

 perpendicularly, a narrow dusky bar; another bar of the same colour, but broader, 

 runs from the inferior and posterior margin of the orbit downwards and backwards 

 to the root of the two anterior and inferior spines of the range surrounding the 

 occiput. These two spines are dirty white, the inferior one margined below with 

 dusky; the two central occipital spines are dark chestnut at their bases, and black 

 at their apices. The chin and throat are silvery white. 



The ground of the colour of the neck and body above is ash, with a line of 

 yellowish-white along the vertebral column, reaching from the head nearly to the 

 extremity of the tail; on each side of this line at the neck is an oblong dark blotch, 

 which extends to the anterior extremities, larger before and smaher behind. The 

 body above is marked with three transverse dark coloured blotches or bands, not 

 however crossing the vertebral line; the anterior is only a dark oblong spot, 

 in the centre of which is a long spine; the basis of this, as well as of most of the 

 spines, is surrounded with an irregular circular border of chestnut, with an 

 occasional tinge of yellow; the spines themselves are a darker chestnut; the 

 central and posterior bars are most extensive, but even they only reach the margin 

 of the vertebral line. The thorax and abdomen are silvery white, with small 

 dusky spots, sometimes round, sometimes oval, each including a portion of three 

 or four scales. The tail is coloured above like the back, and is completely banded 

 towards the tip — below it is silver-gray. The anterior and posterior extremities 

 are ash colour above, marked with transverse dusky bars, and silver-grey beneath. 



Dimensions. Length of head to root of occipital spines, 7 lines; length of body, 

 from head to vent, 2i inches; of tail, beyond the vent, If inches; of thigh, 9 lines; 

 of leg, 9 lines; of tarsus and toes, 9 hues; total length, 4 inches 7 lines. 



Habits. The Phrynosoma cornuta inhabits the prairies of the west; it moves, 

 according to the accounts of those who have seen them in the wild state, with 

 great rapidity from place to place, either in search of its prey or to escape its 

 enemies, but never climbs. In confinement, however, its movements are sluggish; 



