BUCHHOLZ] THE GLASS ''SNAKE" 299 



new limbs are usually smaller than the regular equipment. The 

 glass "snake," like the lizards, may lose more or less of its tail and 

 live to regenerate a short, stubby substitute. 



This power to snap off the tail is a source of protection to these 

 animals. When pursued and overtaken by an enemy, of which 

 the king snake is a common example, a very interesting tussle 

 ensues, during the course of which the glass "snake" disjoints its 

 tail, as it twists and squirms in its attempt to get away. While the 

 enemy is busily engaged in swallowing the tail, the abbreviated 

 body of the "snake" escapes to a place of safety, preserving its life 

 but losing its tail. This trait is called feeding the enemy, though 

 it is a very expensive form of feeding. This habit is not confined 

 to the lizards, but may be found elsewhere in the animal king- 

 dom. 



A glass "snake" may often be seen, which has lost its tail, or 

 one with a short regenerated tail. The photograph shows one 

 which has regenerated the portion from the point marked X to its 

 tip. 



The glass "snake," like nearly all lizards, is not poisonous. It is 

 commonly seen in the grass on hot days, but spends much of its 

 time burrowing in the ground. Its food consists largely of earth- 

 worms, slugs and the soft -bodied larvae of various insects 



The November Magazines 



The Century — The Glow-worm, Henri Fabre. 



Garden Magazine — Why the Black Walnut is Worth Growing, 

 A. Rutledge. 



Harpers Monthly— The Friendly Rocks, John Burroughs. 



Nineteenth Century — Birds and the Plumage Trade, S. L. 

 Bensusan. 



Outer's Book — The American Grouse and Their Identification, 

 R. W. Shufeldt. 



Outing — Why the Leopard Needs His Spots, Chas. Livingston 

 Bull. 



Popular Science Monthly — The National Zoological Garden, 

 R. W. Shufeldt. How the Problems of the Rural School are 

 being met, Mary A. Grupe. 



