Page:Natural History, Reptiles.djvu/120

112 forked at the point; their eyes furnished with two distinct lids, in addition to the auditory conduits; their body depressed instead of being compressed; and on account of the relative length of their tail, which is never prehensile. From the Geckotidæ, in the form and inequality of the length of the toes, the movements of the tongue, and the presence of movable lids. From the Iguanadæ, in the scales of the trunk, the absence of a dorsal crest, and the vaginal conformation of the tongue. From the Lacertadæ, in the difference of the teguments of the head and body, and the form of the teeth. Finally, from the Chalcididæ and the Scincidæ, in the non-rounded form of the trunk, and the distinct origin of the tail, the structure of the tongue, and especially in the form and disposition of the scales.

The teeth of the Varanidæ are always flattened at the root, which is lodged in the length of a

furrow constituting a common alveolus or socket, having no internal border. The crowns or free portions of the teeth are most commonly pointed and curved backwards. There are no teeth in the palate. The neck is longer in proportion than in other Lizards, which gives them an unusual aspect.