4C9 SAURIANS. 



has also the specific name sapidissima, (Lat. most savory ;) it 

 does not, however, suit " some constitutions." 



II. Anolius, or Anolis. This genus is distinguished by an ex- 

 pansion of the skin on the last joint but one, (or the penultimate 

 joint,) of the toes ; by the possession of two rows of palatine 

 teeth ; by the absence of pores from the thighs. In some species, 

 both the back and tail are without a ridge or crest ; in others, a 

 crest consisting of minute scales runs along the middle line of 

 the back, and sometimes along the tail. 



Like the Chameleons, the animals of this genus have the 

 power of changing their color. They are smaller in size, the 

 largest being not more than a foot in length ; climb the branches 

 of trees with great facility ; and even rest upon the leaves, 

 secured by the disks with which their toes are provided. The 

 males are said to make a barking noise like that of a small dog, 

 and to curl the tail over the back while running. In these ani- 

 mals, as well as those of the preceding genus, the middle parts 

 of the body and the tail are more slender and fragile than the other 

 portions, so that they often suffer a break, followed, however, by 

 a reproduction and consequent deformity. One species is found 

 in the United States, viz. : the CAROLINA ANOLIS, A. Carolinen- 

 sis. It is very abundant in the southern sections of the Union, 

 where it is known as the Green Lizard or Chameleon. This is 

 a very beautiful animal, of a light golden green above and green- 

 ish white beneath ; the throat pouch, when inflated with air, is 

 of a vermilion color. It keeps about gardens, and often, in search 

 of flies, enters the windows of houses, and can even walk upon 

 glass by means of the disks of the toes. 



The GREAT CRESTED ANOLIS, A. velifer, (Lat. sail-bearing,) 

 is one of the species which have upon the back a sail-like crest. 



III. Basilicus, (Gr. lasilikos, a kinglet.) This genus varies 

 from the Iguana, in the absence of femoral pores, and in having 

 a more contracted dewlap. A triangular fold of thin skin, sus- 

 tained by a cartilage, and rising vertically from the middle lon- 

 gitudinal line of the back of the head, gives a singular aspect to 

 the animals of this genus, which appear as if crowned with a 

 raised hood or pointed cap. An elevated, serrated ridge or crest 

 of scales passes along the middle of the back and tail, in the 

 males of one or two of the species, supported by bony appenda- 

 ges, and presenting the appearance of a continuous fin. 



The MITRED BASILISK, B. mitratus, (Lat. mitred,) found in 

 Mexico and regions further south, receives its name from the 

 conspicuous pointed hood or crest on the occiput or hind part of 

 the head. It should be noted that the Basilisk of modern natu- 



