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Reptiles. 



III. Saurian Heptiles. 



THE LIZAKD. (Lac&rta wwporo.) 



THIS is a British species, and is one of the very few 

 reptiles found in Ireland. Its movements are most grace- 

 ful. It comes out of its hiding-place during the day to 

 bask in the sun, and when it sees an insect it darts like 

 lightning upon it, seizing it with its sharp little teeth, 

 and soon swallowing it. The young are produced in 

 eggs, which are generally hatched the moment they are 

 laid, the skin of the egg being so thin that the young 

 Lizard can be seen through it. 



The Green Lizard (Lacerta viridis) is a beautiful 

 creature. Its colours are more brilliant and beautiful 

 than those of any other European species, and exhibit 



