SNAKES, TURTLES, LIZARDS, CROCODILES 



259 



Chief characteristics 

 of the Uzards. — They 

 usually possess a cy- 

 lindrical and more or 

 less elongated body, 

 which in most cases is 

 covered with scales. 

 Four legs are for the 

 most part present, 

 but often are imable 

 to bear the weight of 

 the body and there- 

 fore push rather than 

 carry the animal. 

 The mouth, unlike 

 that of the snakes, 

 can be opened only 

 to a normal extent. 

 Finally, the jaws are 

 furnished with teeth, 

 and the food is mas- 

 ticated. 



Fig. 179.- 



- Gila monster. Photograph by 

 Shufeldt. 



Turtles and Tortoises 



These are familiar reptiles to most of us, at least. Some 

 of them live on land and some of them live in the water. 

 The term turtle is more usually restricted to thfe aquatic 

 forms, while the term tortoise is apphed, if strictly used, to 

 the members of the family Testudinidge, wliich are strictly 

 terrestrial in habits and possess club feet, but mth distinct 

 toes. 



