OBSERVATIONS ON REPTILES. 



COMMON LIZARD.* 



I HAVE not unfrequently found specimens of the 

 common lizard in a languid quiescent state beneath 

 the bark of felled timber, even during the summer 

 months. Upon a close examination, these have al- 

 ways proved to be individuals which had had their 

 tail fractured, and which appeared to have retired to 

 such places of concealment until the reproduction of 

 it was completed. It is well known, that the tail of 

 this animal is extremely brittle, and that a very 

 slight blow or pressure is sufficient to cause it to 

 separate immediately from the body : no blood issues 

 from the wound, but the severed part continues to 

 move backwards and forwards, and to shew signs of 

 life for a considerable time afterwards. The tail is 

 easily reproduced ; and in different individuals which 

 have sustained such an accident, the new one may be 

 observed sprouting, of various lengths, dependent 

 upon the length of time that has elapsed since 

 the fracture. But, though perfect in other respects, 



* Zootoca vivipara, Jacq., Bell. 



