24 OUK REPTILES. 



collection of insects on their own account, im- 

 pelled by the feelings of hunger. The specific 

 name of vivipara has a Latin origin, with a like 

 meaning to the generic. This lively little reptile 

 will often be found sunning itself between spring 

 and autumn. All its movements are exceedingly 

 graceful and vivacious. In an instant it darts 

 upon an insect coming within its range, which as 

 speedily disappears down its throat. Like the 

 slow-worm and sand lizard, it is often the object 

 of persecution, though itself perfectly harmless ; 

 but, on account of its reptile form, does not escape 

 calumny. During summer the pregnant female 

 may be discovered basking in the direct rays of 

 the sun, and is then far less willing to be dis- 

 turbed than at other seasons. Tradesmen who 

 supply materials for aquaria, fern- cases, and 

 domestic vivaria, tell us that while they find a 

 ready sale for the newts, there is such small 

 demand for lizards, because " people are afraid 

 of them;" that they seldom keep any on hand, 

 but collect and supply them to order. This is a 

 foolish prejudice, because they would make an 

 agreeable addition to the attractions of a fernery, 

 and assist in keeping it free from insects. Their 

 movements are more graceful and rapid than 

 those of the newts, and certainly would not require 

 any larger amount of attention. 



This species is smaller than the Sand Lizard, 



