REPTILES 299 



in winter, and are fond of basking in sunshine. The cage 

 should be furnished with branches for the inmates to 

 scramble among. 



Most of the lizards are carnivorous in feeding habits, and 

 their menu in captivity includes insects, eggs and raw meat. 

 The more vegetarian forms, such as the Iguanas, feed on 

 lettuce, tomatoes and similar items. One meal in every two 

 days is considered the proper regiihe for most lizards. 



Water is necessary at all times, and for such as will take 

 it, may be furnished in small, low receptacles. Some 

 lizards seem unable or unwilling to take moisture in this 

 way, and for them the sides of the cage, or the leaves of 

 plants with which it may be decorated, should be sprayed 

 frequently, when the captive will be found to take the drops 

 which form. 



While the species of lizards are very numerous, so few 

 are available in the open market that mention of the more 

 striking forms or groups will meet the needs of the amateur. 



Probably the best known species in captivity is the 

 American Chameleon (Anolis carolinensis) , the com- 

 mon name being a misnomer, as, properly speaking, it is not 

 a Chameleon at all. This little lizard is found in the south- 

 eastern United States, where it is abundant along old fences 

 and among the branches of trees. Its feet are provided 

 with small pads, which allow it to cling, in any position, to 

 smooth surfaces. This lizard makes an admirable pet, soon 

 becoming very tame, and its curious trait of rapidly chang- 

 ing color is most interesting. It should be fed on flies, meal 

 worms and other insects. 



A common species, found along fences and in brush 

 piles, from New Jersey to Oregon, is the Fence Swift 

 (Sceloporus undulatus). This is a small creature, seldom 

 exceeding five inches in length, grayish in color and lightly 

 marked with black. It is extremely lively and difficult to 



