somewhat snake-like form, with toes of each of the fore and 
hind legs reduced to three in number ; three related species also 
occur. Amongst rock outcrops we find the long-tailed Spiny 
Scink ( Egernia c tinning liami ) , a prickly lizard, fond of basking 
on the sun-heated stones ; although it may be approached quite 
closely before becoming alarmed, it is very difficult to capture, 
as it makes its way into crevices of rocks, from which, owing to 
its spiny coat, it is practically impossible to withdraw it. 
The “Goanas” are now rarely seen in our parks, but the 
Lace lizard or common goana ( Varanus vcirius) has been seen 
there. It reaches a length of more than six feet, and climbs trees 
in search of eggs and nestling birds. 
Snakes are not very often encountered, but the Black Snake 
( Pseudechis porphyriacus ) is occasionally seen near water, and 
the quickly moving Brown Snake ( Demansia textilis ) in the 
timber and open country. The Black Snake produces living 
young, and the Brown Snake lays eggs, which are left amongst 
bush debris, a score to over thirty being deposited at a time. 
Baby Brown Snakes have a black marking on the head and 
another across the neck, and, as before mentioned, one of our 
Snake-lizards imitates this phase in colour, and is often mistaken 
for the more dangerous reptile. The Black-naped Snake 
Tig. 30. Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus ) . 
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