THE LIZARDS 127 



the solution of the trouble was discovered. A few drops 

 of water were accidentally scattered over the lizards' 

 backs, where they were instantly absorbed, while the re- 

 sulting dark spots spread as if on a piece of gray blot- 

 ting-paper. Taking this as a valuable hint, the writer 

 had all the lizards thoroughly sprayed with a "mist" 

 nozzle. A change was soon noted. The Mastigures 

 became more vivacious. This spraying was repeated 

 day after day. Meanwhile the reptiles took on plumper 

 outlines, feeding with more energy. It seemed curious 

 to see lizards absorbing water through the skin like a 

 shriveled toad or frog. If a specimen were held in a 

 shallow tray of water a dark, spreading line of moisture 

 soon ascended the sides and finally over the back. Still 

 these eccentric creatures could not be induced to he in 

 the pans of their own accord. It is possible that in their 

 desert homes the quick changes of temperature, influ- 

 enced by day and night, may produce a certain conden- 

 sation of moisture, like a dew, thus enabling the thirsty 

 skin of the animal to absorb the needed fluid. Since 

 this discovery the writer has carried on similar obser- 

 vation among many lizards having a granular scalation 

 — and representing other families. He is convinced 

 that a large number of species drink through the skin, 

 at least receive a part of their liquid nourishment in this 

 manner. As a rule, these are species of dry, arid places. 

 If kept in a continually damp cage they soon die, show- 

 ing that too much of even a very necessary element may 

 prove as detrimental as an utter lack of it. 



Judging from experiences with Mastigures, it would 

 seem they are omnivorous, though preferring tender 

 leaves, small flowers and berries. Their habits, as well 

 as their make-up — except the spiny tail — are very sim- 

 ilar to an American desert lizard of the family Iguanidce, 



