28 LACERTADJl. 



Poole in somewhat different situations. Its general abode 

 is on sandy heaths, where it is frequently seen crossing the 

 small bye-paths with considerable swiftness, although it is 

 certainly less rapid in its movements than the smaller and 

 more common species. The transient glance which is thus 

 obtained of it, " together with its viperine appearance and 

 colours," and the size and length of its body and tail, may 

 easily have deceived Mr. Sheppard, who says that he has 

 often mistaken it for the Viper when hastily passing it. 

 But it is also occasionally seen on the sunny sides of green 

 banks, basking in the sun's rays, and retreating quickly 

 upon the approach of any intruder. Mr. Sheppard men- 

 tions that he had "once or twice observed it near marshes;" 

 and it is occasionally seen in the small village of Ham- 

 worthy, near Poole, in moist situations. It has been stated 

 by a gentleman of my acquaintance, that the brown va- 

 rieties are confined to the sandy heaths, the colours of 

 which are closely imitated by the surface of the body, and 

 that the green variety, which I have already slightly al- 

 luded to, frequents the more verdant localities just men- 

 tioned. Be this as it may, and it is a statement which 

 at present I can neither confirm nor refute, it is certain 

 that these varieties, mentioned by Linneus and seen by 

 Miiller, do exist in the place I have named, and within a 

 comparatively short distance. 



It is more timid and far less easily rendered familiar 

 than the beautiful Green Lizard (L. mridis) of Guernsey 

 and the South of Europe. This latter species may be 

 readily tamed, and taught to come to the hand for its food, 

 and to drink from the hollow of the palm of any one to 

 whom it is accustomed. It will lie coiled up between the 

 two hands, enjoying the warmth, and not offering to 

 escape. But it is very different with the present species, 



