CORDYLUS MICROLEPIDOTUS. 
dark blotches described in treating of the colouring of this lizard ; other 
folds, though not so distinctly marked, are observed to traverse the upper 
suiface of the neck, and, like those of the sides, evidently result from the 
skin on these situations being more extensive than the parts it is destined to 
cover, in order to permit the head to move freely. The skin of the back of 
the neck, and of the back and sides of the body, is covered with two descrip- 
tions of scales, the one description considerably larger than the other, more 
or less orbicular, and disposed in rows, which can be traced either longitudi- 
nally or transversely, and each of these scales is more or less carinated, par- 
ticularly towards its posterior edge, the carince, however, are less acute in 
adult specimens than in young ones, and less on the sides than the back, 
probably from the effects of friction. The second description of scales occur 
in the interstices between the ones just described, and are very small, some- 
what circular, and without keels, and the sides of the neck are entirely 
coated with scales of this description. The superior and hinder surfaces of 
the leg are covered with somewhat diamond-shaped scales, all of which 
are strongly keeled, and the keel of each posteriorly forms a sharp elevated 
spine , the scales coating the under and anterior surfaces of the fore-leo-s 
smaller than those on their upper part, and with less distinct keels. Those 
of the anterior and inferior surfaces of the hinder leg, large, flat, somewhat 
quadrangular, and without keels. Feet rather slender, and covered with 
keeled scales. Toes long, delicate, and free. Claws short, curved, pointed 
and laterally compressed. Chin and anterior part of throat covered with 
small, somewhat quadrangular scales ; posterior part of throat and space 
between fore-leg coated with large, imbricate, irregular scales, not in distinct 
rows ; rest of under part of body with ten rows of four-sided plates, the 
greatest length of each plate transversely. Tail rigid, and very hard, thick 
at the base, from whence it tapers to a fine point ; above it is flat and rather 
broad, below narrow and slightly rounded, hence its section exhibits some- 
what of a triangular form, two angles being formed by the edges of the upper 
surface, and the third by the under surface. The scales on this part of 
the reptile are disposed in rings, towards the base each ring consists 
of two circles of scales, and towards the apex only of one; all the scales of 
the upper and lateral parts are carinated, and the carince are most 
developed in those situated over the lateral angles, particularly towards the 
base of the tail, where they terminate posteriorly in prominent sharp spines. 
On the lower parts of the sides, and on the centre of the upper surface, the 
keels are much less marked, and are not prolonged into acute spines * 
