106 Mr. ^BJ,h oil a tiew Species of Agama. 



piceous disposed in dots, exactly resembling mosaic work, and 

 with distinct, large, irregular ocelli of the latter colour, margined 

 with white, disposed in transverse series across the back. There 

 is also a white longitudinal central line from the occiput to the 

 end of the tail. The under side is of an uniform faint white 

 colour, and the femoral pores of a sulphur-yellow. 

 , This beautiful and highly interesting species was found by 

 Mr. David Douglass in the course of his late indefatigable and 

 productive researches in the western parts of North America, 

 to whom I am also indebted for the following account of its 

 habits. 



It is seen in great numbers in all woodless sandy arid deserts 

 in the interior of the country, on the southern parts of Columbia 

 river. On the banks of streams, in thickets composed of Purshia 

 tridentata, Artemisia and Salvia, it was observed by Mr. Doug- 

 lass to take up its abode, in the holes made by species of Lepus, 

 Arctomi/s, Sec, which are alternately occupied by them and several 

 species of Coluber, which resort there for the purpose of preying 

 on these Agama and on the Marmots. It feeds on both animal 

 and vegetable substances. In the stomach were found coleo- 

 pterous insects, and the leaves of Purshia, Artemisia, and Salvia. 

 Like most others of the tribe it is very nimble during the sum- 

 mer months, and it is then difficult to capture it ; but in April, 

 when it first makes its appearance, or in October, before it 

 retires to its winter habitation, being at both seasons weakly, 

 it may be readily taken. At such seasons the traveller is con- 

 stantly annoyed by them during the night, seeking shelter 

 from the cold under his blanket, and is frequently under the 

 necessity of removing these little intruders on his rest. " In 

 April," continues Mr. IDouglass, " I have observed the young, 

 not exceeding half an inch in length, perfectly formed, of the 

 same colour and equally nimble with the older ones. The co- 

 lour 



