SAUUIA. 277 



The Ecphimotes, Fitz, 

 Teeth and pores of the preceding, hut ^mall scales on tlie liody only ; those of the tail, which is thick, 

 being large, pointed, and keeled ; head plated ; general form somewhat short and flattened, as in 

 certain Agamis, rather than attenuated as in the j\Iarhle(s. 



Opluri;s, Cav., — 

 Diflers from the last in wanting femoral pores, with keeled and pointed caudal scales, wliich approximate 

 this group to the Stellions ; the dorsal scales arc also keeled and pointed, hut very small. 



The Anolis (Jnoli'/s-, Cuv.) — 

 To the general form of the Iguanas, and especially of tiie iMarhlets, conjoin a very peculiar distinctive 

 character ; the skin of their toes widening under the antepenultimate [)lialai)x into an oval disk, striated 

 across underneath, so as to attach to diiferent kinds of surfaces, over which they creep with much 

 facility by means of their very crooked claws. The body and tail are uniformly roughened with 

 minute scales, and the greater number have a goitre-like appendage under the throat, which inflates 

 and changes colour with the passions of the animal, and during tlie season of copulation. Several of 

 them at least equal the Chameleon in the facility with which they vary the colours of their skin. Their 

 ribs unite beneath into complete circles, as in the Chameleons and the Marhlets. Their teeth, as in 

 the Iguanas and Marhlets, are trenchant and denticulated, and they have the same range of them ou 

 the palate. The skin of the tail wrinkles into slight folds, each containing some circular ranges of scales. 

 Tliis genus appears to he peculiar to America. 



Some have a caudal crest sustained by spinous vei'tebral aphopyses, as in the Istiures and liasiUsks ; while others 

 have a round taih or which is only a httle compressed. 



It is to this family of Iguaniaus with palatal teeth, that the enormous fossil reptile of Maestriclit ap- 

 pertains, to which tlie term Mososaia-us has been applied ; the Geosaurus of Soemmering, also, the Mega- 

 losaurus of Buckland, and the Igaanodon of iMantell, with certain others, all of immense size, appear to 

 approximate this sance family ; but their characters are not sufficiently known to class them with certainty. 



TIIE FOURTH FAMILY OF TIIE SAURIANS,— 

 The Geckotians, — 

 Consists of nocturnal species, so similar tliat they may be all left under a single generic head, — ■ 



The Geckos, Daud. {Sidl'to, Schneider. ; Ascalahotes, Cuv.). 

 These have not the attenuated form of the Lizards already treated of, hut, on the contrary, are flat- 

 tened, more particularly on the head, and have the feet of mean length, and the toes nearly equal ; their 

 gait is slow and stately ; their very lai'ge eyes, the pupil of wdiich shrinks from the light, as in the Cats, 

 indicate them to be nocturnal creatures, which pass the day in obscure places ; their very short eyelids 

 retreat altogether between the eye and orbit, which imparts a different physiognomy from that of other 

 Saurians ; their fleshy tongue is not extensible ; their tymi)auura a little deepened ; their jaws are 

 armed all round with one range of minute serrated teeth ; their palate toothless ; their skin is roughened 

 above with minute granular scales, among which are often some larger tubercles, and is covered ou 

 the under parts with somewhat less diminutive flat and imbricated scales. Some have femoral 

 pores. Tlie tail has circular folds, as in the Anolis; but, when it has been severed, it is reproduced 

 without folds, and even without tubercles, which has led to a multiplication of the species. 



This genus is very numerous, and is diffused over the hot re;^ions of both continents. Their tardy and sombre 

 nspect imparts a certain resemblance to the Toads and Salamanders, and have hence caused them to be dishked, 

 ;ind accused of being venomous witliout any proof that they are so. 



The greater number have the tai'si widened throujj;hout or in part, and mai-ked underneath witli very rei^ular 

 folds of the skin, which enable them to adhere to surfaces, so as to walk even on ceilin;;s. Their claws are 

 variously retractile, and preserve their sharp points ; which circumstance, in conjunction witli their eyes, has led 

 to their being- compared to the Cats among mammiferous animals; these claws, however, vary in nmnber 

 accordinpr to the species, and in some are wanting altogether. 



The lirst and most numerous subdivision of tbe Geckos, \vhich I name Platijilachjles, have toes widened through- 

 out tht'ir length with transverse scales underneath ; some have claws on all their toes, and very small thumbs. 

 They are handsome animals, with bright colours, and are entirely covered with tubercles. The different known 

 ^pecies inhabit the Mauritius. There are sunte with femoral pores, and others without, and among the latter ' ome 

 with fewer or no claws. 



