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THE NIMBLE LIZARD*. 



The nimble Lizard is one of the British species. 

 Its general length, from the nose to the end of the 

 tail, is about six inches and a half. The upper 

 part of the head is light brown, and the back and 

 tail are variously striped and spotted with light 

 brown, black, white, and dark brown. The under 

 parts of the body are of a dirty white. 



This elegant little creature, which is known to 

 almost every one in the temperate regions of Eu~ 

 rope, seems to be the most gentle and inoffensive, 

 and, at the same time, the most useful of all the 

 Lizard tribe. Its motions are so nimble, and it 

 runs with such swiftness as, when disturbed, to 

 disappear in a moment. It is fond of basking in 

 the sun ; yet, unable to bear excessive heat, in the 

 hottest weather it seeks shelter. In spring, during 

 fine weather, it is often seen luxuriously extended 

 on a sloping green bank, or on a wall exposed to 

 the sun. In these situations, it enjoys the full 

 effects of the reviving heat ; expressing its delight 

 by gently agitating its slender tail ; and its lively 

 and brilliant eyes are animated with pleasure. 

 Should any of the minute animals appear on. 

 which it feeds, it springs upon them with the 

 quickness of thought ; and if any danger occurs, it 



• Synonyms. — Lacerta agilis. — Le Lezard gris. La Ccpede. 

 Linn. — Little brown Lizard. Edwards. — Scaly Liaard. Penn. — 

 JJimble Lizard. Kerr's La Cepede.—Penn.'s Brit. ZoqI. vol, 3. tab. a. 



