THE AMPHISBJ2NA. 69 



the European Lacerta muralis, is the most com- 

 mon species. A little species of gecko (Hemi- 

 dactylus verruculatus) is met with in houses, where 

 it may be seen running up walls and along 

 ceilings like a fly. 



Under large stones, and especially at Xanthus 

 under the great blocks of sculptured marble, 

 blind-worms were not uncommon. The species 

 appeared to be the Anguis punctatissimus of the 

 "Voyage dans le Moree." A species much 

 larger, and slenderer in proportion, and probably 

 distinct, was found by us between Gagse and 

 Olympus. The curious Pseudopus also occurred. 

 Everywhere under stones we found the Amphis- 

 bcena. It resembles a great pink earth-worm 

 rather than a snake, and makes its way through 

 the soil in similar fashion. When a stone under 

 which an Amphisbcena lies, is lifted up, the reptile 

 immediately makes for its hole, and, if seized, 

 attempts to bite, but has no power to do any 

 injury. Along with it a species of Scincus 

 occurred, but was comparatively rare. 



The common frog of Lycia is the eatable 

 frog, Rana escidenta. It is very abundant in the 

 marshes. A small and very beautiful mottled 

 orange and green toad is found in the mountains. 



