2482 



SCALED REPTILES 



tions show that it inhabits sandy districts, where it walks, with a swinging gait, on 

 its hind-legs, after the manner of the extinct iguanodon. When frightened, it sits 

 down on its hind-quarters, raises its fore-quarters and head as high as possible, 

 strikes its body with its tail, and shows its teeth at the intruder. Although the 

 creature is perfectly harmless, this attitude has been known to frighten people who 

 have seen it for the first time; and it probably has the same effect on other enemies. 

 The frill which, when fully extended, forms a shield concealing the body, limbs, 

 and tail, is moved by certain special muscles, and is supported by rods of cartilage. 



SAIL-TAILED LIZARD. 

 (One-fifth natural size.) 



Nearly allied to the preceding is the sail-tailed lizard (Lophurus 

 amboinensis) , which is likewise the sole member of its genus, and 

 takes its name from the presence of a tall sail - like crest on the 

 upper surface of the tail of the adult, which is supported by a great lengthening of 



Sail-Tailed 

 Lizard 



