EGG-LAYING HABITS 



but to certain small islands off the main islands. They 

 are particularly common apparently in Stephen's island, 

 where their breeding habits have been observed. At the 

 Zoo they have been given every chance to let us into 

 these mysteries, but without avail. The reptile lays 

 eggs in a burrow which it inhabits in perfect amity with 



HATTERIA LIZARD. 



various birds, like several other burrowing animals that 

 we deal with in this book, such as the American prairie 

 dog and vizcacha. In these burrows it deposits its eggs, 

 carrying them in in its mouth after actually " laying " 

 them outside. Why this elaboration of instinct should 

 have been evolved does not seem easy of explanation. 



252 



