REPTILES. 281 



the jaws and cranium are consolidated, thus resembling those 

 of the Lizards. 



The great altitude at which some Snakes are found is worthy 

 of notice, as it necessarily involves their capability of living at 

 a lower temperature than might have been expected. It is 

 stated that two species of Viper, one of them the Common 

 Adder of England, are found on the Alps at an elevation of 

 5,300 feet; and the Blind-worm nearly as high as 6,000 feet. 



ORDER III. SAURIA. LIZARDS. 



' Gay Lizards glittering on the walls 

 Of rained shrines, busy and bright, 

 As they were all alive with light." MOORE. 



IN this order the body and tail are elongated, the jaws are 

 furnished with teeth, the skin is covered with scales, and the 

 animals have generally four feet. About two hundred species 

 are known, which are distributed by naturalists into nine or 

 ten families, and numerous genera. 



The flesh of many of the foreign Lizards, when cooked, is 

 white, and is relished as very good food. Humboldt has 

 remarked that all the South American species within the 

 tropics, and inhabiting dry regions, are esteemed delicacies 

 for the table. Their habits present considerable variety. Mr. 

 Darwin mentions one (Amblyrliyncus cristatus) that swims out 

 to sea at the Gallipagos Islands, and feeds upon a sea-weed 

 that grows at the bottom; and another (A. sub-cristatus) that 

 makes burrows on the land. He watched one of these for 

 along time while making its excavation. "I then," con- 

 tinues he, " walked up and pulled it by the tail; at this it 

 was greatly astonished, and soon shuffled up to see what was 

 the matter, and then stared me in the face, as much as to 

 say, * What made you pull my tail?' ' 



