100 SAXJRIA. — IGUANADiE. 



been described and figured by Spix, in bis magni- 

 ficent work on tbe Zoology of Brazil, under five 

 different names. 



This is tbe common Iguana or Guana of the 

 European colonies, a name which seems to be of 

 Indian origin, and which was probably that by 

 which the reptile was distinguished at the time of 

 the discovery of America. It is said to have been 

 common in the West Indian Isles in former years, 

 but it seems to have disappeared, at least from 

 Jamaica ; it is possible, however, that some large 

 species of Cyclura, an allied genus, inhabiting 

 that island, and provincially called by the name 

 of Guana, may have been mistaken for it. 



The Green Iguana attains a length of five or 

 six feet ; its general hue is green, more or less 

 deep, sometimes merging into blue : the sides are 

 marked with oblique stripes of brown, edged with 

 yellow ; a line of yellow frequently appears over 

 the shoulder ; the tail is crossed by broad bands 

 of brown, alternating with the green. In some 

 specimens, the sides and limbs are variously 

 clouded or spotted with brown. 



The esteem in which the flesh of this reptile is 

 held in the countries which it inhabits is spoken 

 of by most WTiters who mention its existence. 

 Delicatissima and sapidissima are among the nu- 

 merous specific names which have been assigned 

 to it. Excellent, however, as is its flavour, it is 

 not considered very wholesome, and to persons 

 labouring under certain diseases it is highly 

 injurious. 



In Paramaribo, where the Iguana is considered 

 one of the most delicious animals brought to the 

 daily market, it is always in request and sells 



