THE COMMON LIZARD. 25 



mencing the collection of insects on their own 

 account, impelled by the feelings of hunger. The 

 specific name of vivipara has a Latin origin, with a 

 like meaning to the generic. This lively little rep- 

 tile will often be found sunning itself between spring 

 and autumn. All its movements are exceedingly 

 graceful and vivacious. In an instant it darts upon 

 an insect coming within its range, which as speedily 

 disappears down its throat. Like the slow- worm 

 and sand lizard, it is often the object of persecution, 

 though itself perfectly harmless ; but, on account of 

 its reptile form, does not escape calumny. During 

 summer the pregnant female may be discovered 

 basking in the direct rays of the sun, and is then far 

 less willing to be disturbed than at other seasons. 

 Tradesmen who supply materials for acquaria, fern- 

 cases, and domestic vivaria, tell us that while they 

 find a ready sale for the newts, there is such small de- 

 mand for lizards, because "people are afraid of them;" 

 that they seldom keep any on hand, but collect and 

 supply them to order. This is a foolish prejudice, 

 because they would make an aggreeable addition to 

 the attractions of a fernery, and assist in keeping it 

 free from insects. Their movements are more 

 graceful and rapid than those of the newts, and 

 certainly would not require any larger amount of 

 attention. 



This species is smaller than the sand lizard, not 



