THE EINGTAIL PALLETTE-TIP. 
255 
tremity of that organ, when the ground colour pales 
to pure white, the transverse hands or rings become 
deep black. The yellow stripes and the lilac bands 
are all margined with a narrow line of black, which 
greatly increases the effect of the rich colours. The 
scales are large, and form a netted pattern over the 
body. 
This most lovely little reptile was taken in the 
parlour of my hospitable friend, J. Lewin, Esq., at 
Montego Bay. On disturbing some papers on the 
table, it darted out and I secured it. As I kept it 
in captivity, I noticed the fleshy tongue used to lick 
the lips, just in the manner of the little Sphcsrio- 
dactylus argus. It could not walk on the under 
surface of glass, and slipped slowly down a perpen- 
dicular pane. On a painted board it could maintain 
its hold back-downwards, if the board were turned 
slowly, to allow it time for preparation ; but if it 
were turned suddenly, or if the reptile attempted 
to w^alk, it fell. On rough surfaces it succeeded 
better. The skin repelled water ; and it swam, 
rather on the surface, than immersed. I put flies 
into its box, but it disregarded them, manifesting 
impatience only, when they crawled over its face. 
No change of hue was exhibited; I believe this 
genus of Geckos have all their colours permanent. 
The pupil was ordinarily almost circular, but con- 
tracted to a perpendicular ellipse in the sun. The 
claw is sheathed, or protruded at will, on the inner 
side of the pallette, wEerewith each toe is tipped, 
supposing the foot to be directed forwards. 
I never met with another example of this pretty 
