The Skinks or Smooth-scaled Lizards 



in decaying logs, but were living in tiicir summer holes in the 

 tree trunks. 



Although gradually changing its colours and pattern with 

 age, the Skink shows none of the momentary, varying hues, so 

 commonly observed among the North American species of Igiiani- 

 dce — the "Chameleon," the Swifts and iiorned "Toads." 



The Skink is strictly diurnal, seeking its hiding place with 

 the setting of the sun. The food consists largely of insects, 

 but well-grown specimens will feed upon the eggs of birds, or 

 newly born wood mice, often discovered by the lizard as it in- 

 vestigates the crevices of fallen trees. Provided with strong 

 jaws, the adult males bite vigorously if handled and, retaining 

 their hold with considerable tenacity, inflict a painful squeeze. 

 If grasped by the tail, they instantly twist off that appendage. 

 When thus unhesitatingly discarded, the bright blue tail of 

 the younger specimens, wriggles in such an energetic manner 

 that the brilliant, writhing object will often engross the captor's 

 attention for the instant that it takes the original owner to 

 find a hiding place. 



During observations on a large series of captive specimens, 

 the writer noted a characteristic that appears unique among 

 lizards. Several large strips of bark has been placed upon the 

 gravel of the cage, to form hiding places. On lifting these strips 

 of bark to examine the specimens, a number of the lizards were 

 found lying in circular, coiled positions, a most unusual attitude 

 for lizards to assume. Upon closer inspection it was discovered 

 that each of these reptiles was a female lizard coiled about 

 her eggs. The number of eggs to each example was three or 

 four. 



These lizards remained in their curious positions until imme- 

 diately prior to the eggs' hatching, ignoring the bright sunshine 

 in which their companions basked and sported, and, during 

 the several weeks' time, taking no food. When the young 

 emerged they paid no attention to them, and the little creatures 

 seemed fully able to shift for themselves. This guarding of the 

 eggs, if such it were, is rarely seen among reptiles. The pythons 

 coil about their eggs until the time of hatching, but the vast 

 majority of snakes and lizards are quite indifferent to the con- 

 dition of the eggs after they have been carefully deposited. 

 The female alligator is alleged to protect her nest by remaining 



