516 GECKOS. 



plains, or dense, damp underwood near the rivers and lakes. 

 One of them exceeds five feet in length, and is extremely 

 active. It feeds almost entirely on snakes, frogs, and toads, 

 but occasionally devours poultry, and breakfasts off their eggs. 

 It is also somewhat of a cannibal, for though it will not eat 

 its own species, it does occasionally those of a somewhat 

 smaller lizard allied to it. It possesses strong teeth, and can 

 bite with great force ; indeed, when attacked it defends itself 

 fiercely, and when seizing a foe can seldom be compelled to 

 let go. 



Its colour is variable, but generally the upper parts of the 

 body are deep black, with mottlings of yellow or green ; while 

 on the higher portions of its sides are a series of white spots, 

 the under part being chiefly yellow, with black bands. 



The little ameiva, on which it occasionally preys, is of a 

 dark olive colour, speckled with black about the neck. 



There is another large lizard, known as the great dragon 

 (Ada Guianensis). It is of an olive colour, with yellow be- 

 low, and mottled with brown ; and frequently attains a length 

 of six feet. While the former cannot climb trees, it is a good 

 swimmer. The great dragon climbs with wonderful agility, 

 but is said not to be very much at home in the water. It 

 also bites fiercely. 



Both are hunted for the sake of their flesh ; while their 

 eggs of which thirty or forty are laid are considered great 

 delicacies. 



GECKOS. 



Not only in the huts of the natives, but in the abodes of 

 the wealthy white men, hid during the day in dark corners, 

 are numbers of dark gray, hideous-looking lizards, which, when 

 night comes on, crawl rapidly over the walls and ceilings, 



