102 



SAUEIANS. 



nating in two pointed lobos. Scales on the back rounfled, quin- 

 cuncial, imbricate ; those on the belly similar to those on the 

 back and on the sides. No fold across the throat or along the 

 side ; no femoral or inguinal j^ores. Tail generally long, rounded, 

 fragile. Eyes and eyelids well developed. Nostrils in a separate 

 plate, between the frontal and labial shields. Generally four 

 limbs, moderately developed, sometimes feeble or hidden below 

 the skin. The species of this family are cxceedinglj^ numerous, and 

 inhabit almost every part of the tropical regions, some extendin?- 



into the temperate zones. They are thoroughly land Lizards, 

 preferring dry ground, and hiding themselves in the sand, under 

 stones, fallen leaves, &c., very few of them entering the water. Thcv 

 do not attain to any considerable size, only a few species of 

 Australia and the West Indies growing to tlie thickness of a 

 man's wrist, and exceeding a foot in length. Siime of them are 

 viviparous, others deposit from eight to twelve globular oi;-o-s. 

 Dr. Gray divides them into the sub-families of Sci/'coia, or those 

 which have tlic scales thin, smooth, and neither striated nor 

 keeled; the nostrils in a single smooth plate, withotit any lunate 

 groove behind ; and the tail round, tapering, nnarmed ; and 

 Tropidophorin(P, or those which have the scales thick, l)onv 

 rugous, striated, and with one or more keels upon each of them • 



