LIZARDS. 



425 



uniform pale gray, or blotched with brown. The young individuals are also different 

 from the adults, being of a more uniform and lighter color. The color of all Phryno- 

 somas, however, is due to a greater or less extent to the color of the soil on which 

 they live. Probably no reptile presents this peculiar adaptation more than do the 

 representatives of this genus ; often so accurately are the surrounding shades of color 

 counterfeited that it is impossible to distinguish the reptile. This coloration, more- 

 over, is not simply transitory, as in the chameleons and other lizards, but is more per- 

 manent, and only changes after the animal has been placed on a new soil for a consid- 

 erable length of time. In confinement, which may be easily effected by tying a small 

 string to the animal's horns, it is a most inoffensive creature, and though the larger 

 ones may at first offer a little resistance on being captured, they soon, with care and 

 kindly handling, become accustomed to a domestic life, and may become quite tame 



Flu. 245. — PhryTiosoma orbiculare, horned- toad. 



and live for months. They have been known to take milk and flies from the fingers 

 of their keepers. They are most bashful animals, when they think they are being 

 observed, as well as when roughly treated, depressing their bodies, and with closed 

 eyes feigning death to perfection. A little tickling along the side will bring them to 

 life, however, and please tliem hugely, they expressing their fondness for the opera- 

 tion by inflating themselves until they are nearly spherical. They also seem particu- 

 larly pleased if the rain is allowed to fall upon them. This contentment is only tran- 

 sitory, however, for no sooner is their keeper lost to sight than they try some plan of 

 escape ; shuffling away with a rapid gait, or seeking concealment by drawing the limbs 

 to the body, depressing the head, and with a few wrigglings, disappearing into the 

 earth. Phrynosoma orbiculare is a Mexican form. 



It is said that the horned toads have special aversion for dogs, on the sight of one, 

 puffing up their body, lowering their horns in a most ludicrous manner, and hissing 

 like a turtle. Their food consists of flies and other small insects, ants being particular 



