SKINK, a genus (Sciscus) of lizards of the cosmopolitan family Scincidee, characterized by a conical head, with well-developed eyelids, and covered with symmetrical shields. The body is protected by bony plates underlying the scales. No thigh pores exist and in some genera the limbs may be hidden beneath the skin. In the genus Scincus itself the scales are of thin and smooth texture and the tail is rounded and tapering and is unprovided with spines. The body is somewhat spindle-shaped and is flat below. Five toes exist on each foot and the toes are of flattened shape and fringed on the sides. The palate is grooved longitudinally and is provided with teeth. The common skink (Scincus officinalis) occurs in North Africa and in India. It inhabits sandy places and when alarmed burrows swiftly beneath the sand. Its specific name is derived from the fact that for merly it was thought to possess valuable medic inal properties and among savage tribes it is regarded as an antidote to poison. In classic
ages its virtues were much reputed and the head and feet of these lizards were imported to Rome in large quantities preserved in white wine. Its color is a variable reddish, marked above with cross bands of darker hue, while below it is of a white color, tinged with silvery lustre. The average length is from six to seven inches. The family is represented in the United States by several genera, of which Eumeces is the most prominent and is represented by several well known species. Consult Holbrook, 'North American Herpetology' (Philadelphia 1848) ; Cope 'Crocodilians, Lizards and Snakes' (Waihington 1900) ' • Gadow, 'Amphibia and Reptiles' (New York 1901).