394 



natural iusm/iy 



form is shown in our plate. It is a loathsome-looking creature, about five 

 feet long, its wrinkled, scaly skin looking as if too big for the body, while 

 the crest of long, spine-like scales upon the back, and the enormous dewlap 

 under the throal do not add to the animal's attractiveness. Yet, ugly as 

 it appears, it is highly esteemed as an article of food in the regions where 

 it occurs, and all travelers add their testimony as to its palatability. Thus 

 Pere Labat, a missionary two hundred years ago, discourses concerning 

 this reptile: " We were attended by a negro, who carried a long rod, at 



^/YaTttef* ^v 



Fig. 34G. — Moloch {Moloch horridus). 



one end of which was a piece of whip-cord with a running knot. After 

 beating about the bushes for some time, the negro discovered our game 

 basking in the sun on the dry limb of a tree. Hereupon he began whis- 

 tling with all his might, to which the guana was wonderfully attentive, 

 stretching out his neck and turning his head, as if to enjoy it more fully. 

 The negro now approached, still whistling, advanced this rod gently, and 

 began tickling with it the sides and throat of the guana, who seemed 

 mightily pleased with the operation, for he turned on his back and stretched 

 himself out, like a cat before the fire, and at length fell asleep, which the 



