THE INGUANA. 133 



THE INGUANA 



Is the largest of all the land lizards, being from three to five 

 feet long, as thick as a man's thigh, and in figure resembling 

 the crocodile. Its skin is covered with small scales, and its 

 back is garnished with a row of prickles, standing up like the 

 teeth of a saw. Both the upper and the lower jaws are full of 

 very sharp teeth, and its bite is dangerous, although not always 

 mortal. The males are one-third larger than the females : the 

 former are ash-coloured, but the latter green. 



Notwithstanding the formidable and disgusting appearance 

 of this animal, it is perfectly inoffensive ; and its flesh is esteem- 

 ed a delicacy, both in Africa and America. 



The sportsmen of these quarters of the world go out to hunt 

 the inguana, as those of Europe do in pursuit of the hare or the 

 pheasant ; and in the season when the tropical rains are past, 

 and vegetation flushes into universal verdure, the sportsmen are 

 seen with a noose and a stick in search of the inguana. Upon 

 land this animal is swift of foot, but when it has the opportunity 

 of ascending a tree, it considers the situation as secure, and is 

 never willing to remove. 



There are several species of lizards in Great Britain ; that 

 which is the most common is the eft, in some provinces called 

 the newt, and in others the askar. The same prejudices are 

 entertained against this animal as against the toad ; but both 

 are equally inoffensive ; and however disgusting their figure 

 may appear to us, the all-wise Creator has undoubtedly, for 

 some wise and good purpose, given them a place in the system 

 of animated nature. 



M 



