NATURAL HISTORY. 38 



made under the roots of a tree, nor does it again make its ap- 

 pearance until the spring. 



The Common Lizard is only six inches in length. It is 

 more active than the Sand Lizard, disappearing like magic on. 

 being alarmed. When seized its tail frequently snaps off like 

 glass. Both British Lizards feed on insects. 



Tribe II GEISSOSAURA. (Gr. Teiaoov, a cornice ; aavpa.) 



Family XV. Scincidaj. (Gr. 2/ay/cof, a kind of Lizard. ) 



ANGUI*. (Lat. a Snake.) 



Fragilis (Lat. fragile), the Blind-worm or Slow-worm. 



The BLIND-WORM is not a snake, as generally supposed, but 

 a lizard of the Skink family. It is perfectly harmless, its 

 small mouth and very minute teeth precluding all attempts to 

 injure, even if it had* the will. When alarmed it snaps asun- 

 der at the slightest blow, like the tail of the Common Lizard, 

 and from that peculiarity has derived its name of " fragilis." It 

 feeds almost entirely on small slugs, its jaws not being capable 

 of admitting any larger prey. It is very common in most 

 parts of England, and may be seen basking in the sun in 

 hedgerows or under old walls. Iti eyes are very small, but 

 brilliant. 



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