90 



THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



STUMP-TAILED LIZARDS, Trothyiaurtu ntgosus. 



ONE-FOURTH NATURAL SIZE. 



matter of fact, a by no means pleasant 

 experience, the crushing power of the 

 massive jaws being very considerable. 

 In addition to this, it will retain its 

 hold upon any subject seized with 

 bull-dog tenacity. In their natural 

 state, Stump-tailed Lizards are ac- 

 credited with being the inveterate 

 enemies of snakes, which they will 

 fearlessly attack and destroy, and 

 they are therefore naturally regarded 

 with a considerable degree of favour by the more intelligent settlers. 



The specimen here photographically immortalised, who, to distinguish him 

 from his companions in captivity, was familiarly known as Moses, very speedily 

 abandoned his earlier aggressive attitude and accommodated himself to civilised 



II. K,,rill,-Kent, Photo. 



