THE LIZARDS 123 



mistaking the Frilled Lizard. While in a passive mood 

 a large cape is folded back over each shoulder. A flash 

 of anger brings about a startling transformation. The 

 capes spring forward, expanding into an enormous col- 

 lar with sharply serrated edges, which remarkable ap- 

 pendage is continuous under the chin, though divided 

 directly over the head. From the umbrella-like concav- 

 ity protrudes the creature's head, jaws gaping showing 

 formidable teeth, of which the canine are much enlarged. 

 The frill is operated by veritable cartilaginous ribs, 

 springing from the sides of the head and extending 

 through the capes like the ribs of an umbrella. 



The Frilled Lizard grows to a length of three feet. 

 Several examples have been studied by the writer, who 

 must confess, however, that the species is not so striking 

 in appearance as usually portrayed in drawings which 

 might lead the student to believe the reptile to be as big 

 as an alligator and a regular "man-eater." The writer's 

 largest specimen had a body eight inches long and a 

 long, whip-like tail. When the reptile was in a passive 

 mood the capes were not very noticeable. They were, 

 however, thrown forward upon a slight provocation, 

 though at most times for a few seconds only. With the 

 big frilled collar standing out stiffly the lizard opens the 

 jaws widely, disclosing the most curious of mouth parts 

 — of a saffron-yellow hue. At a sudden movement of 

 the observer, the reptile turns to follow the object of 

 annoyance, hisses sharply, opens the jaws wider and 

 may even rear upon the hind limbs in an attempt to bite. 

 The writer's specimens were persistently arboreal, scam- 

 pering over the boughs of an old cedar tree placed in 

 their cage. They were seldom seen on the gravel of the 

 floor. They finally became very tame, feeding upon 

 grasshoppers, crickets and meal worms; they learned to 



