NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK HOLLISTER. 691 



rough-scaled species, known as the swift {Scelopoinis undulaius)^ and 

 the little lizard, called the "chameleon" {Anolis carol inensis) , are 

 both abundant in favorable localities in many parts of our Soutliern 

 States. The latter species has the habit of changing color and may be 

 at times gray, green, or its normal shade of dull brown. 



Two interesting species of Australian lizards on exhibition are the 

 hlue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) and the stump-tail (Trachy- 

 ■^aurus rugosus). The blue-tongue grows to a length of nearly 2 feet 

 and, as its name implies, is provided with a large fleshy tongue of a 

 brilliant blue in color. It is sluggish in habit and is particularly fond 

 of bananas and other fruits and milk. The stump-tailed lizard is 

 another sluggish species, reaching 14 inches in length. The tail is 

 broad and flattened and the reptile has the habit of giving it quick 

 jerks, so that at first sight it is puzzling to distinguish the head from 

 the tail. It is said to kill snakes. 



SNAKES. 



Wliile it is probably true that the great majority of people dislike 

 snakes it is also true that a collection of these reptiles attracts ex- 

 traordinary attention and adds greatly to the interest in a zoological 

 park. The larger snakes in particular are a never-ceasing source 

 of wonder to visitors, and the more s];)ectacular of the lesser species, 

 like the rattlesnakes, are almost as popular an exhibit. 



The prize specimen in the snake department of the National Zoo- 

 logical Park is a fine example of the anaconda {Emvectes Tnurinu^), 

 or water boa, of South America. The anaconda is the largest of 

 the American snakes and sometimes attains a length of over 20 feet. 

 In color it is a yellowish green, marked with blackish spots. Ana- 

 condas are essentially aquatic and spend much time in the water, al- 

 though they are perfectly at home in trees and are expert climbers. 

 The numerous young are born alive. The largest specimen in the 

 park collection has been here since August 17, 1899, and was a gift 

 from the governor of the State of Para, Brazil. 



In a near-by cage are three specimens of the Indian python 

 {Python molitrus)^ native to India, the Malay Peninsula, and Java. 

 The largest snakes known are of a related species {P. reticuJatus) ; 

 there are apparently reliable records of individuals over 30 feet in 

 length. Pythons, like the boas, are constrictors, and kill their prey 

 by crashing. The pythons lay eggs, which are hatched by the mother 

 who coils around them. The eggs number from 50 to 100. These 

 snakes are particularly fond of climbing and the specimens in the 

 park collection spend much time coiled in the tops of the small trees 

 within their inclosure. The diamond snake {Python sp?lote-'^), found 

 only near the east coast of Australia, is blackish with a yellow spot 



