316 VERTEBRATJSS. 



lizards by its short cylindrical tail and deep shining black colar, 

 variegated with large oblong irregular patches of bright orange- 

 yellow. 



The Blind-worm is not a snake, as generally supposed, but 

 a lizard of the Skink family. It is perfectly harmless, its small 

 mouth and very minute teeth precluding all attempts to injurle, 

 even if it had the will. When alarmed it snaps asunder at the 

 slightest blow, like the tail of the common lizard, and from that 

 peculiarity has derived its name of " fragilis." It feeds almost 

 entirely on small slugs, its jaws not being capable of admitting any 

 larger prey. It is very common in most parts of England, and 

 may be seen basking in the sun in hedgerows or under old walls. 

 Its eyes are very small, but brilliant. 



The GtECKOS are nocturnal- lizards, remaining hidden in 

 crevices during the day, but wandering forth at night in search 

 of their insect prey. They run about on the smooth walls and 

 ceilings with the greatest ease, as their feet are furnished with an 

 apparatus exactly resembling a boy's sucker, by means of which 

 they are able to adhere to the wall, or even to the roof. They 

 labor under precisely the same imputations that the toad does, 

 namely, of being venomous creatures, producing horrible diseases 

 when touched, together with many similar tales. Geckos are 

 spread over every quarter of the globe, but are most numerous in 

 Southern Asia. The species represented is common in India. 



The Iguana is a very large family, comprising about one 

 hundred and fifty species. The length of the Common Iguana is 

 from four to five feet. The tail is long and round, the back ser- 

 rated, and the crest denticulated. Individuals of this species vary 

 very much in color, but the prevailing color is brownish green. 

 What gives it a very formidable appearance, it has under the chin 

 a pouch capable of being greatly enlarged. It feeds on insects 

 and vegetables. Th6ugh it is frightful to look upon, it is exceed- 

 ingly gentle and harmless. It is striking in nature, that there 

 are some creatures lovely to the eye, which, in their dispositions 

 and habits, are dangerous and destructive; and others repulsive 

 in their appearance, which have the innocence of the lamb and 



