Reptilia of Jefferson County, Mo. 193 
in habitats where water is easily accessible, although the burrows 
themselves were in fairly dry soil. ey have been noted, in early 
spring, to come to the wahans to sun themselves near their burrows, 
into which they quickly retreat if disturbed; but as the days grow 
warmer they are to be found only in the cooler hours of the morn- 
ing or evening foraging abroad, spending the warmest portions of 
the day in their burrows even though they are apparently able to 
withstand much heat. If it is not raining, captive specimens will 
come to the surface on rainy days, but if it is rainy or misty they 
seem to prefer to remain in their subterranean retreats, even though 
their cages be indoors. Often quarrelsome attitudes are exhibited 
and in such cases the victim ig invariably seized at the base of 
the jaws. Cannibalism has not been noted, however. In spring and 
early summer earthworms are an acceptable article of diet, but as 
the season progresses these are scorned if grasshoppers are avail- 
ab er insects are taken but orthopterons seem to be preferred. 
These are very intelligent reptiles for the most part and can be 
taught to acquire very distinct habits, such as coming to the surface 
at a certain hour each day for food. Water is taken in by means of 
the tongue in much the same manner that a cat laps liquid, only 
more slowly. Natives of this county consider these lizards deadly. 
taken at Goldman, Danby, ‘Barnhart, Antonio, Hillahore, Kimms- 
wick, and Glen Park. Specimens about armhouses become very 
man on June 21 deposited four eggs beneath a rock in its cage dur- 
ing the night of June 23-24, a = which measured 9x17 mm. They 
feed well in captivity on almost an y insect of suitable size. One 
specimen disgorged a lepidapiec ae larva of the cutworm group at 
capture and another specimen of this lover of dry, sandy places was 
found foraging at the edge of the water of a pond near Danby 
en driven into C Siaetiy they are at a decided disadvantage and 
may be taken re; 
Leiolopisma laterale (Say)—The ground lizard is abundant 
during the summer months in the fallen leaves, it being possible, 
by moving quietly, os see as many as a dozen and a half L decdag 
