38 THE TEGUEXIN. 



The natives have a curious idea that this reptile is hatched from crocodile's eggs 

 that have been laid in hot elevated spots, and that in process of time it becomes a 

 crocodile. This odd belief is analogous to the notion so firmly implanted in the minds 

 of our own seaside population, that the little hermit crab, which is found so plentifully 

 in periwinkle shells, is the young of the lobster before it is big and hard enough to 

 have a shell of its own. 



It is almost always found in the water, though it sometimes makes excursions on 

 land in search of prey. To the natives it is a most useful creature, being one of the 

 appointed means for keeping the numbers of the crocodile within due bounds. It not 

 only searches on land for the eggs of the crocodile, and thus destroys great numbers 

 before they are hatched, but chases the young in the water, through which it swims 

 with great speed and agility, and devours them unless they can take refuge under the 

 adult of their own species, from whose protection the Monitor will not venture to take 

 them. 



When full grown, the Nilotic Monitor attains a length of five or six feet. The color 

 of this species is olive-gray above, with blackish mottlings. The head is gray, and, in 

 the young animal, is marked with concentric rows of white spots. Upon the back of 

 the neck is a series of whitish yellow bands, of a horse-shoe, or semilunar shape, set 

 crosswise, which, together with the equal-sized scales over the eyes, serve as marks 

 which readily distinguish it from many other species. The under parts are gray, with 

 cross bands of black, and marked with white spots when young. 



Specimens belonging to this genus are scattered over the greater part of the world. 

 For example, the INDIAN MONITOR {Monitor draccena} is found in the country from 

 which it takes its name. It is rather a prettily marked animal, being brown with black 

 spots when old, and yellow eye-like marks when young. Another species, GOULD'S 

 MONITOR {Monitor Gouldii], inhabits Australia, being most commonly found on the 

 western side of that land. 



WE now arrive at another family of Lizards, called, from the typical species, the 

 Teguexins. In these reptiles, the head is covered with large, regular, many-sided 

 shields, the sides are flat, and the throat has a double collar. 



. Our first example is the TEGUEXIN, or VARIEGATED LIZARD, so called on account of 

 the contrasting colors with which it is decorated. It is also known by the name of 

 SAFEGUARD, a title which has been given to it because it is thought to give notice, by 

 hissing, of the approach of the alligator. The monitors derive their name from a similar 

 belief, they being thought to warn human beings of the approach of poisonous serpents. 



Several species of Teguexin are known, all inhabiting the warmer portions of America, 

 and possessing similar habits. It is said that, although strong and agile, they do not 

 ascend trees, but range at will the hot sandy plains or the dense damp underwood on 

 the margins of lakes and rivers, into which they plunge if alarmed, and remain below the 

 surface until the danger has passed away, their capacious lungs and imperfect circulation 

 permitting them to endure a very long immersion without inconvenience. 



The Teguexin is a large and powerful Lizard, exceeding five feet in length when full 

 grown, and extremely active. It feeds mostly, if not entirely, upon animal food, and 

 makes great havoc among snakes, frogs, toads, arid other semi-aquatic creatures. It 

 often indulges in diet of a higher nature, and when it can find an opportunity, devours 

 poultry, or breaks and eats their eggs. Sometimes it has been known to eat Lizards 

 of a closely allied species, a fact which has been proved by finding some bones, and 

 other portions of the Ameiva lizard within the stomach of a Teguexin that had been 

 killed. Together with these relics were found the shelly wing-cases of beetles, and the 

 skins of sundry caterpillars. 



The teeth of this species are strong, and the reptile can bite with great force. It is a 

 bold and determined combatant when attacked, and if it succeeds in grasping a foe, 

 retains its hold with the pertinacity of the bulldog. The flesh of the Teguexin is eaten, 

 and thought to be excellent. According to Azara, the skin of its tail, when separated 

 into rings, is considered to be a safeguard against paralysis, and worn for that purpose, 

 as well as to remove tumors, another healing power which it is supposed to possess. 



