WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 



These reptiles are remarkable for their great number of 

 species and variety of forms, differing much in habits and 

 food, and being widely distributed. Many of them are of 

 great beauty, both in form and colour ; the Lacerta viridis, 

 common green lizard, may be quoted as an example of fine 

 form and brilliant colour ; and, on the other hand, we have 

 the most repulsive-looking creature in the spiny species 

 known as the Moloch horridus ; a more hideous creature 

 cannot well be imagined. Many singular peculiarities 

 appertain to the lizard family, some of them being desti- 

 tute of the external limbs, such as the slow-worms and the 

 grass snakes. 



The brittleness of the tails of many species and the 

 parts that have been broken off being replaced by a new 

 growth, are very remarkable. 



The tail is used by the monitors and others in defend- 

 ing themselves against, and in trying to escape from, their 

 enemies, and a most severe weapon it proves to be ; the 

 strength and power put forth in giving a blow, or rather 

 in slashing or lashing from side to side, or upwards, with 

 this whip-like appendage would astonish any one who 

 incautiously attempted to handle one of these animals in 

 full activity. 



The wonderful rapidity with which they move sur- 

 passes all belief, and only those who have witnessed 

 their lightning-like disappearance from sight upon 

 being surprised, can realize the quickness of their move- 

 ments. 



It must be impressed upon the mind that the tempera- 

 ture and state of the atmosphere exert great influence over 

 these animals. A lizard that could rush before you, and 

 vanish like a flash of light, in the heat of the sun's rays, 

 would lie apparently lifeless during the cold of the night ; 

 heat is life, cold is death, to the lizard tribe. The state 



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