46 



THE EYED LIZARD. 



purpose of gaining sufficient heat to hatch the eggs. This jirocess is aided by the thinness of 

 the membrane covering the eggs. 



The color of this little Lizard is extremely variable, but in general, the upj^er parts are 

 olive-brown, with a dark brown line along tlie middle of the back, tliis line being often broken 

 hei"e and there. Along each side runs a broader band, and between these bands are sundry 

 black spots and splashes. The under parts are orange, spotted with black in the male, and 

 olive-gray in the female. The total length of the Scaly Lizard is about six inches, according 

 to the figure in our illustration. 



The beautiful Eyed Lizard, or Great Spotted Green Lizard, as it is sometimes called, 

 from the colors witli which it is decorated, is a native of Southern Europe, and various other 

 warm portions of the world, being found in Algiers, Senegal, and parts of America. 



^ yy/:<^ f^f ^ u. t^/iatt-i^ 



SCALY LIZAKD.— Zootoca vivipara. 



This creature inhabits dry spots, where the sun has most power, and may be seen ainong 

 hedges, underwood, or loose stones, running about in search of food, and displaying the gem- 

 like brilliancy of its clothing, as it darts from spot to spot with the agility v.hich characterizes 

 all the sj)ecies of this genus. 



It is of rather a fierce nature, having little fear, and boldly attacking any antagonist that 

 may assail it. If it be ii'ritated with a stick, it will turn sharply upon the ofl'ending weapon, 

 and bite it smartly ; and if a dog attempts to seize it, the courageous little creature will spring 

 upon its muzzle, and maintain its liold with such pertinacity, that it will suffer itself to be 

 killed rather than relinquish its grasp. In consequence of this combative character, it is 

 greatly respected by the inhabitants of the country where it dwells, and being thought to be 

 poisonous as well as ferocious, is dreaded with a fear quite as keen, though not so reasonable, 

 as would he inspired by a rattlesnake or cobra. 



The home of this species is generally made under the roots of trees, if the soil be suf- 

 ficiently dry and sandy to suit its habits. Otherwise it will excavate a tunnel in the side of a 

 hank or under a hedge, always choosing a southern aspect, so as to ensure the waraith which 

 its nature seems to demand. Sometimes it settles upon a soft sandstone rock for its domicile, 

 and hollows out a deep burrow in the softest part of the rock, mostly choosing the loose, sandy 

 layers that often occur between two tolerably broad strata of rock. Like the rest of the Lizards, 

 it feeds on insects and similar creatures, darting on them with great speed and certainty of aim. 



