138 REPTILES OF THE WORLD 



they are described as having flesh very much like that 

 of a young fowl. The tip of the longest toe on each 

 hind foot is caught in a small instrument like pliers and 

 the tendon stretched from the toe itself; by means of 

 these tendons the hind feet are tied together — often the 

 front feet as well — a process rendering the lizard entirely 

 helpless. The specimens are classified into different 

 sizes, thrown into crates and offered for sale. In this 

 condition iguanas are often brought to New York. 

 Though they have endured torture for possibly many 

 weeks, they may be liberated by clipping the ends of 

 the tendons, when they run about as if nothing had hap- 

 pened. Thus we see an illustration of the tenacious hold 

 upon life possessed by these and many other reptiles. 



The West Indian Iguanas; Ground Iguanas; 

 genus Cyclura: Five powerful, stockily formed species, 

 with a decidedly compressed body, form this genus. In 

 proportion to their size the tail is rather short. This 

 organ is different from that of the other species in 

 having rings of enlarged scales at short intervals apart; 

 with one species — C. carinata — these scales assume a 

 spiny development approaching a structure to be seen 

 with the species Ctenosaura — Mexican and Central 

 American iguanas. The species of Cyclura are almost 

 entirely terrestrial, living in sandy places or on rocks. 

 They dig burrows in which to retire at night or during 

 stormy weather. They attack small birds and mammals 

 with great ferocity, though they are also herbivorous. 



The Rhinoceros Iguana, Cyclura comuta, receives 

 its name from the three blunt, conical horns on the snout, 

 the larger of which is often three-eighths of an inch 

 high. There is a well-developed crest of lanceolate spines 

 on the back. Old specimens are dark brown, which 

 somber hue, together with their grotesque make-up, recall 



