EEPTILES. 265 



jaws and cranium are consolidated, thus resembling those of 

 the Lizards. 



The groat altitude at which some Snakes are found is worthy 

 of notice, as it necessaiily involves their capability of living 

 at a lower temperature than might have been expected. It 

 is stated that two species of Viper, one of them the Common 

 Adder of England, are found on the Alps at an elevation of 

 5300 feet ; and the Blind-worm nearly as high as 6000 

 feet. 



Order III.— SAUKTA,— LIZAUDS. 



Ik this order the body and tail are elongated, the jaws are fur- 

 nished with teeth, the skin is covered with scales, and the ani- 

 mals have generally four feet. About two hundred species are 

 known, which are distributed by naturalists into nine or ten 

 families, and numerous genera. 



The flesh of many of the foreign Lizards, when cooked, is 

 white, and is relished as very good food. Humboldt has re- 

 marked that all the South American species within the tropics, 

 and inhabiting dry regions, are esteemed delicacies for the 

 table. Their habits present considerable variety. Mr. Darwin 

 mentions one {Ambb/rhyncus cristatus) that swims out to sea 

 at the Gallipagos Islands, and feeds upon a sea-weed that 

 grows at the bottom; and another {A. siib-cristatus) that 

 makes burrows on the land. He watched one of these for 

 a long time while making its excavation. " I then," continues 

 he, " walked up and pulled it by the tail ; at this it was greatly 

 astonished, and soon shuffled up to see what was the matter, 

 and then stared me in the face, as much as to say, ' What 

 made you pull my tail ?' " 



