i50 SNAKES, TURTLES, L1ZAKJ)S, CKOCOmLES 



scales on the ventral side of the body ai-e large anti extend 

 transversely across the width of the body. These scales 

 are known as scvies. Each scute is attached to a pair of 

 ribs and, moreover, is fastenetl, or hmged at itw anterior 

 edge, while the remaining portion of the scale is free. The 

 scutes are the main organs of locomotion. The free edges 

 of the scutes are l)rought forward and down-ward, where 

 they catch against the iri-egularities of tlie surface, and 

 when forcibly i-eturned to tlieii' noi'mal positions close to 

 the ventral side of the abdomen, force the l)ody forward. 

 If an individual should be placed (jn a smooth surface, 

 like glass, it would be unable to cra^\l liecause no inequali- 

 ties of surface would be presented for the scales to push 

 against. 



The eyes of the garter snakes have no lids, but are pio- 

 tectetl by the skin that passes over them, ^\'hic]i is trans- 

 parent and somewhat thickened just over the eyes. The 

 absence of e^'clids accounts for the cold, stony stare of 

 snakes. No external ear is pi'esent. In fact, no snakes 

 have external ears. 



The tongue is forked, and the two lialves of the lower jaw 

 are loosely united in front, while tlic whole jnw is loosely 

 hinged to the liead by means of an intermediate l)0iie, the 

 qiwdrnle. This arrangeiiienl allows the mouth to be greatl)' 

 dilated for swallowing its ])icy. The teeth all ])oint back- 

 ward and are for the ])urj)oso of holding its jn'cy, and not 

 for chewing, liecause the food is swallowcil whole. 



Pythons. — Tl is said find some pyllions I'carh the ex- 

 treme length of thirty feel, Iml pi-obal)l\" twenty feet is 

 nearei' the a.ver.'ige. Tliiy are found in the tropical poi'tions 

 of Asia, y\frica, .•iiid Ausii'.uha. A p\llioh li.as a preliensili" 

 t-ail, and b\' means of lliis, elint;;s (o I lie bi'ariches of tl'ces, 



