MB, C. A. WILSON ON A SINGULAR LIZARD. 71 



but iu no other respect, and that all the specimens I received or 

 saw in 1866 (about eighteen in number) had the spined pro- 

 tuberance at tlie back of the neck. 



The three Lizards last received I kept always together in an 

 airy wooden box, with plenty of sand at the bottom. I took 

 several daily looks at them, and could not but remark their con- 

 tuiued apathy to everything around them and to each other, the 

 sudden introduction of light, among other things, seeming to make 

 no difference. There was iu this respect, as well as in outward 

 appearance, so far as I then know, nothing to indicate their sex. 

 They kept their heads raised on a Hue with their bodies, and re- 

 mained motionless for hours together. This was not from weak- 

 ness or failing strength, as when either of them was raised up 

 separately by the hand (that is, by a finger and thumb on the 

 spines at the sides of the body, the spines not being sharp enough 

 to pierce the fingers) they still remained motionless; but an 

 attempt to turn them over always failed, as they would imme- 

 diately begin to curve themselve.< slowly, but strongly and stiffly, 

 round or up again. They never seemed to be at all on the watch', 

 as it were ; but I have placed this fact, from what I have heard 

 from others, among my doubtful points, as I only gave them short 

 intervals to escape in, for fear of losing them. The onlf noise 

 produced by either of them was after a long interval of silence, 

 by scratching at the sides of theii- wooden box with their armed 

 feet or claws; but this they never did while I was observing 

 them. 



All attempts to make them eat were ineffectual, as before re- 

 marked. They were supplied with living and dead insects (which 

 are said to form their food) both day and nigjit. Sugar «&c. also 

 was given, in case they sliould, as so many animals do, fancy 

 sweet things ; but each and all appeared to be regarded with the 

 same indifference as everything else. However, they did not 

 diminish in size, nor apparently, for some weeks, in strength. It 

 was not a warm time of the year ; still they were supplied with 

 water ; but this was also left untouched. I fancy, therefore, that 

 they can, if necessary, bear without injury a long fast. 



Among the facts ascertained from observation and reliable 

 information, one is that these Lizards are perfectly harmless ; 

 that is, on no occasion do they attempt tb bite or scratch ; and 

 with this knowledge I have continually taken them up by hand 

 and examined them. The mouth of the animal is very small ; and 



6* 



