OF THE INTEGUMENTS. 
77 
The Temporal plates exist only in conjunction with the 
occipitals and superior labials, among which they are 
placed, and on which their number and form depend. 
We have stated above, that the border of the lower jaw 
is almost constantly furnished with plates, of which the 
central one is at the end of the muzzle, corresponding to the 
rostral. The second pair are often prolonged below the 
chin, to unite with one or two pairs of plates, enclosed 
between the labials, and distinguished by the name of 
Mentals or Geneials. Although of a very variable form, 
they are rarely wanting; and their lower edge always 
forms that deep fissure, which so materially contributes to 
the enlargement of that part of the skin, and which is 
known under the name of Gular Fissure. 
A more extended terminology to indicate those plates 
appears to me superfluous ; and I shall conclude this 
section of the work by calling to recollection that it is 
easy to recognise them, provided attention be given to 
those terms which are invariably derived from the regions 
which the organs occupy : it is thus that many of those 
plates, which extend between the labials and the first ab- 
dominal bands, and are often divided, bear the name of 
Gular plates ; the last abdominal plate, equally divided, and 
covering the orifice of the anus, is termed the Anal plate, 
&c. &c. 
[As these distinctions, though long employed in Ger- 
many in the descriptions of Ophidians, are but little fa- 
miliar to the English reader, the translator has introduced 
two figures, A and B, PI. I., with references to the different 
plates mentioned in the text. 
A 
B 
a Vertical plate. 
h Occipitals. 
c Superciliars. 
d Temporals. 
e Posterior frontals. 
/ Anterior frontals. 
g Rostral. 
Jh Posterior oculars. 
i Anterior oculars, 
k Frenal. 
I Nasal. 
n Middle labial, 
o Accessory labials. 
p Anterior geneials, or mentals. 
q Posterior geneials. 
r Marginal labials. 
s Gular scales. 
t Gular scuta. 
ti Abdominal scuta.] 
