28 LACERTADA. 
Poole in somewhat different situations. Its general abode 
is on sandy heaths, where it is frequently seen crossing the 
small bye-paths with considerable swiftness, although it is 
certainly less rapid in its movements than the smaller and 
more common species. The transient glance which is thus 
obtained of it, “‘ together with its viperine appearance and 
colours,” and the size and length of its body and tail, may 
easily have deceived Mr. Sheppard, who says that he has 
often mistaken it for the Viper when hastily passing it. 
But it is also occasionally seen on the sunny sides of green 
banks, basking in the sun’s rays, and retreating quickly 
upon the approach of any intruder. Mr. Sheppard men- 
tions that he had ‘‘once or twice observed it near marshes;” 
and it is occasionally seen in the small village of Ham- 
worthy, near Poole, in moist situations. It has been stated 
by a gentleman of my acquaintance, that the brown va- 
rieties are confined to the sandy heaths, the colours of 
which are closely imitated by the surface of the body, and 
that the green variety, which I have already slightly al- 
luded to, frequents the more verdant localities just men- 
tioned. Be this as it may,—and it is a statement which 
at present I can neither confirm nor refute,—it is certain 
that these varieties, mentioned by Linneus and seen by 
Miiller, do exist in the place I have named, and within a 
comparatively short distance. 
It is more timid and far less easily rendered familiar 
than the beautiful Green Lizard (L. viridis) of Guernsey 
and the South of Europe. This latter species may be 
readily tamed, and taught to come to the hand for its food, 
and to drink from the hollow of the palm of any one to 
whom it is accustomed. It will lie coiled up between the 
two hands, enjoying the warmth, and not offering to 
escape. But it is very different with the present species, 
