Reptiles The Horned Lizard 
planted in the cage, or a potted cactus may be set 
in the sand. The cage should stand where it will be 
kept very warm, and where the sun can shine directly 
on it at midday. In winter the cage may be placed 
on top of the radiator, for it is almost impossible in 
our cold northern climate to keep this little desert 
inhabitant sufficiently warm to save its life. 
FOOD 
Hornykins likes to catch his food for himself, 
therefore it is best to put into the cage, flies, roaches, 
small grasshoppers, and other small insects. If 
these cannot be caught, live meal worms do very well 
for steady diet. It is well to set a wire trap for flies, 
and then turn the contents loose in hornykins’ cage. 
Feeding once a week is sufficient. 
CARE 
If the horned toad seems inclined to hibernate, let 
him bury himself in the sand and do not disturb him, 
although the cage should be kept in a fairly warm 
room, it need not be kept on a radiator, nor in the 
sunshine. Hornykins must drink now and then, 
although it is a stupid little creature about finding a 
dish of water. Why should it not be, for in its native 
desert water does not occur in pools. Twice a week 
spray the cactus in the cage with pure water, either 
with an atomizer, or with the help of a whisk brush, 
taking great care not to wet the sand. This spraying 
should be done in the middle of the day, when the 
lizard is active; for when it sees the sun shining on 
the wet leaves, it will quench its thirst by drinking 
the drops. 
REFERENCE 
Tue REPTILE Book, Diimars. 
280 
