68 REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS 



total length, is much compressed, in accordance with 

 semi-aquatic habits. 



The flesh of these lizards is said to be most excellent 

 eating, and they are consequently much hunted for, the 

 living specimens being brought to market in large quan- 

 tities, incapacitated through the stretching of the tendons 

 of their hind limbs. As they usually frequent the lower 

 branches of trees, they are easily captured by means of a 

 long rod, at the end of which is a noose, which is passed 

 round their neck, the animals' attention being, in the 

 meanwhile, attracted by the whistling of some concealed 

 person. They are also often captured by dogs, specially 

 trained for the purpose. 



The Common Iguana, /. tuherculata, reaches a length of 

 over five feet. It is green in colour, speckled or variegated 

 with darker and lighter ; a whitish band is constant in 

 front of the arm. The exceedingly long tail is annulated 

 with black. 



In its native forests, this lizard lays her eggs, which 

 number up to one hundred, in a hole in the ground, 

 leaving the neighbourhood of water, and retreating 

 further into the forest for the purpose. Having performed 

 these duties, she immediately returns to the locality which 

 she previously frequented, on the boughs near the waters' 

 edge. 



This Iguana unfortunately does none too well in cap- 

 tivity, seldom flourishing for more than a year or so, 

 frequently becoming affected by a form of paralysis. The 

 large number of specimens which have passed through 

 my hands were all strict vegetarians, feeding on lettuce, 

 bananas, and grapes ; Ditmars states, however, that they 



