In other series of Scinks, the distinctions of which are far from being conspicuous, we again have limbless genera, or nearly so, as the Australian _Soridia lineata_, which has one pair of small, posterior, undivided extremities; while in another Australian form, the _Rhodona punctata_, the anterior pair of limbs are simple and undivided, while the hinder divide into two unequal toes, and the two pairs of limbs are situate as distantly apart. And thus we may continue to trace the successive gradations, in sundry genera, until we arrive at the _Scincus officinalis_ of North Africa, a well-known reptile, the geographical range of which extends eastward into Afghanistan, and which was formerly in considerable request for its supposed medicinal properties. Indeed, this notion still prevails in Hindustan, into which country dried specimens of both this reptile and of _Sphenocephalus tridactylus_ (p. 101) are brought by Afghan traders, and are sold in the bazaars. Both of these are Sand Lizards, which burrow into the sand with great rapidity. We now come to the _Tropidophorinæ_, or second sub-family of Scinks indicated by Dr. Gray (_vide_ p. 102), which have always well-developed limbs, the body only moderately elongated, and the scales variously keeled. Several species of larger size appertain to this series, as the _Cyclodus gigas_ of Australia, and the curious Stump-tail Lizards, _Trachydosaurus rugosus_ and _T. asper_, of the same insular continent, which latter have most prominently rugous scales, and the tail literally appearing like the short and abrupt stump of one. _Egernia Cunninghami_ and _Tropidolesma_ (of different species) are other comparatively large Australian Lizards; and examples of most of those that have been mentioned may generally be seen alive in the London Zoological Gardens, where the _Cyclodus gigas_ has bred and proves to be viviparous. Of the species of _Euprepes_, of which several inhabit the Indian region, some (as the very common _E. rufescens_) are viviparous, and others (as _E. multicarinata_) are oviparous. These have three more distinct, though not prominent, keels upon each scale; and the different species inhabit both the Old World and the New, as well as Australia. The Galliwasps (_Celestus_) of the West Indies, and sundry other genera, do not greatly differ. Of _Tropidophorus_, which has exceedingly rugged scales, the species inhabit the Indo-Chinese countries, and one (_T. cocinsinensis_) is found likewise in the Philippines; while of another (_T. Berdmorei_), in Burmah, Mr. Theobald remarks that "its scales are dull and lustreless, and the coloration peculiar for a Scink. It harbours under half-immersed stones, and enters the water and gravel freely." In several of this family of Lizards the scales are beautifully iridescent, and many of them show longitudinal pale or white lines, or are otherwise variegated.