292 TRAVELS IN THE CONFEDERATION 



Then there are the Guanas (Lacerta Iguana L.) a 

 large sort of lizards, a very special tidbit. They are 

 found 1-2-3 ft- l n g> an< 3 weighing 10-12-15 pounds. 

 Their color is a dirty brown, the young being gen- 

 erally paler. The dented comb under the throat (gula 

 pendula, antice dentata) I have not observed here; 

 and I am almost of the opinion that on a closer ex- 

 amination the Bahama guanas may be found to be a 

 variety, as compared with those seen in the other West 

 Indies and in South America, showing however the 

 same characteristics and mode of life. The greatest 

 number of them at this time are found on Andros and 

 several other islands; they are already become scarce 

 on Providence. The negroes employ themselves in 

 catching them and sell them for 1-1^-2 bits the 

 pound. They use for the purpose dogs specially 

 trained. The guana comes out of its holes to warm 

 itself in the sun, on rocks and by the shore ; and there 

 the dogs look for them. They get away with great 

 speed, attempting to hide in hollow trees or holes in 

 the rock. The dog follows them and stands yelping 

 until his master comes up and prepares to dig them out 

 or pull them forth by the tail. It is said that in these 

 circumstances they can puff up their whole skin, which 

 hangs loose at best, so as to fix themselves the faster in 

 their holes and resist being pulled out. Certain it is 

 that when a guana is vexed the skin under the throat 

 swells sharply. But besides, they can cling anywhere 

 with their short, strong feet and claws. When the 

 negro has the beast out of its hole, with a crooked stick 

 he bears down on its jaws, which are armed with nu- 

 merous sharp, pointed teeth, and immediately sews 

 together the jaws with a strong needle and thread, 



