THE LIZARDS 169 



entire. Like all monitors this example is fond of eggs, 

 taking eight to ten hen's eggs at a meal, swallowing 

 them entire and with such rapidity the eggs come in 

 contact with one another in passing down the throat, 

 producing a clicking sound that can be plainly heard 

 by one standing nearby. Digestion is rapid. Within 

 twenty-four hours the gastric juices have thoroughly 

 disintegrated the shells, which are broken by compression 

 of the stomach ; subsequently, the shells are entirely dis- 

 solved. Lizards and snakes are also eaten by this mon- 

 itor. 



The big Kabara-goya described became wonderfully 

 tame, crawling from its cage to cling to its keeper's 

 body in a manner suggesting an embrace. Three other 

 specimens of lesser dimensions evinced a similarly docile 

 nature. It was finally decided to place them outside in 

 a big sanded yard. Here the peculiar effect of fresh 

 air and sunlight produced the same mental changes as 

 noted with the Gila Monster. 



On the day following the placing of the monitors in 

 their new enclosure, Keeper Snyder entered with their 

 food. He was surprised to hear a loud hiss from his 

 big pet, the Kabara-goya, and behold that burly reptile 

 puff up in angry fashion, then make a movement as if 

 to deal a blow with the tail. Snyder dodged, but not 

 quick enough. That instant of preparation had put the 

 monitor in a position to lash the tail violently. It struck 

 the pan of eggs carried by Snyder, sending most of 

 the contents flying in all directions. Backing away in 

 amazement, the keeper was astonished to see nothing 

 but hostile glances from the other monitors, which lay 

 hissing in surly fashion. Returning later to find 

 whether the food had been devoured, Snyder was 

 attacked by the big fellow, which rushed at him with 



