438 



LOWER VERTEBRATES. 



is still current in some localities, that the seps would enter the shelters of cattle, 

 and, while these animals were asleep, would inocculate them with a most corrupting 

 poison. This attributed habit has given them a name which signifies, in the Greek, 

 corruption. /S. chcdcides inhabits Dalmatia. 



Acontias has the legs entirely absent, the upper eyelid rudimentary, and no ab- 

 dominal pores. The type species, A. meleagris, is a south African animal, where its 

 habits are strikingly like those of the European blind-worm. It is possible that a 

 second species of this genus inhabits Ceylon. Nessia is an allied genus, having four 

 rudimentary legs, and represented by two species ; N'. burtonii, having the feet divided 

 into three minute toes, and JV. monodactylas, having the toes undifferentiated. These 

 small animals resemble the rhinophid snakes in their habits and general mode of life, 

 though their habitat is much more restricted, the genus having been found only on the 

 island of Ceylon. 



(^J-^f'-i 



Fig. 254. — 5e^s clialcides. 



The ground-lizard of the southern states ( Oligosoma laterale) is in its habitat a 

 most familiar animal. While wandering through the woods of Louisiana, the noise 

 these little animals made as they scampered away was truly astounding. Not being 

 acquainted with them, my first impression was that I had disturbed a colony of beetles ; 

 but my mistake was soon apparent, for these reptiles were by far too abundant for all, 

 on being surprised, to find immediate shelter. If captured, — a by no means easy 

 task, — they make no violent effort to escape, but, with a most droll expression, they 

 eye their captor ; soon winning his confidence, but betraying it at the most unex- 

 pected moment, for with a quick struggle the tail is dropped ofE, and, before one has 

 recovered from his surprise, no lizard is to be seen, the tail only remaining, which for 

 some little time twists about with as much vigor as when attached to its owner. 



This self-mutilation of the lizard offers a remarkable instance of protection. It 



