THE (SHEEN CAROLINA A NO LIS. 



81 



each side. Along the nape of the neck and the back runs a series of long compressed scales, 

 forming a toothed crest, and on the basal half of the tail is a fin-like crest, strengthened by 

 bony rays. The throat-pouch is extremely large, and when inflated gives to the reptile quite 

 an ungainly appearance. The greatest known length of the Crested Anolis is about eighteen 

 inches, but the other species are generally of much smaller dimensions. The name Xiphosurus 

 is of Greek origin, and signifies Sword-tail. 



Of the restricted genus Anolis, we take two examples. In this genus the back and nape 

 of the neck are either smooth, or have a low crest formed by two series of short scales. The 

 scaly plate at end of the muzzle is erect. All these Lizards are very active, inhabiting trees, 

 and jumping about from branch to branch with wonderful skill, and clinging even to the 

 pendent leaves by means of their curiously formed feet. 



This Green Carolina Anolis is, as its name imports, a native of North America, where 

 it is tolerably common. It is a pretty lively little creature, specially brisk and active in its 

 movements. 



This Lizard is, according to Holbrook, "a bold and daring animal, haunting outhouses 

 and garden fences, and in new settlements it even enters the houses, walking over the tables 

 and other articles of furniture in search of flies. It is very active, climbing trees with great 

 rapidity, and leaping with ease from branch to branch and from tree to tree, securing itself 

 even on the leaves by means of the oval disks of the fingers and toes, which enable it also to 

 walk easily on glass, and on the sides and ceilings of rooms. It feeds on insects, and destroys 

 great numbers, seizing them suddenly and devouring them, unrestrained even by the presence 

 of man.'' 1 



Towards the spring, the Green Anolis becomes quarrelsome, and is so exceedingly pug- 

 nacious, that the adult males hardly ever meet without a fight, the vanquished usually coming 

 off with the loss of his tail — a misfortune, however, that sometimes occurs to both the com- 

 batants. This Lizard is seldom seen in all its beauty except when engaging in battle, for at 

 the sight of its antagonist it remains stationary for a moment, nods its head up and down two 

 or three times, as if to work itself into a proper state of fury, puffs out its dewlap, which then 

 becomes of a light scarlet, and having gone through all these preliminaries, it leaps on its foe, 



and the struggle begins. As the summer draws on the irascibility of its temper diminishes, 

 Vol. in.— 11. 



