THE NILOTIC MONITOR. 



37 



" It is usually discovered in rocky "precipices or on low stony hills, and when surprised 

 seeks concealment in the chinks of the former or the irregular cavities of the latter, and 

 where any irregularities exist on the surface of the stones or rocks, it clasps them so 

 firmly with its toes that it becomes a task of no small difficulty to dislodge it, even 

 though it be easily reached. Under such circumstances the strength of no one man is 

 able to withdraw a full-grown individual, and I have seen two persons required to pull a 

 specimen out of a position it had attained, even with the assistance of a rope tied in front 

 of its hinder legs. The moment it was dislodged it flew with fury at its enemies, who by 

 flight only saved themselves from being bitten. After it was killed, it was discovered that 

 the points of all the nails had been previously broken or at the moment it lost its hold. 



It feeds upon crabs, frogs, and small quadrupeds, and from its partiality to the two 



NILOTIC MONITOR.-,Wonftor Nllotlcus. 



former, it is often found among rocks near running streams, which fact having been 

 observed by the natives, has led them to regard it as sacred, and not to be injured 

 without danger of drought." 



This fine Lizard has large, oblique nostrils, a shortish tail with a double keel on its 

 upper surface, and the scales are oblong and have a blunt ridge or keel. The head is 

 short and the scales of the body are large, convex, and surrounded with granulations. 

 The length of the full-grown Regenia is nearly five feet, and its color is dark brown, 

 above variegated with large white spots, and paler beneath, especially under the throat. 



The NILOTIC MONITOR, or VARAN OF THE NILE, as it is sometimes called, is, as its 

 name imports a native of those parts of Africa through which the Nile, its favorite 

 river flows. 



