112 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



enraged or excited. The portion of the gular pouch attached to the 

 jaw is inflatable, and food is sometimes retained in it for a consider- 

 able period, but the lower part is merely extensible. 



" Whilst always retaining the same colours, this Iguana has the 

 power of considerably changing its hues ; but these alterations are 

 gradual. The colours become more dull as the period for the change 

 of cuticle approaches — which is not, however, frequent. Each scale 

 has its own tint, and the colours being thus irregularly blended, an 

 appearance is given, particularly to the younger reptiles, very much 

 like that of worsted-work. 



" These Iguanas live principally on trees, and near the windward 

 coast of the island " (St. Lucia). " They are not much seen, except- 

 ing in the months of February, March, and April, when they quit their 

 hiding-places and repair to the sea-shore or other sandy places to lay 

 their eggs in the sand. The older females lay a great number of eggs. 

 I have known an instance of one in confinement laying five in one 

 day, and thirty-two within the space of ten minutes five days after- 

 wards, making thirty-seven in all. Younger females are much less 

 prolific, according to their size. The eggs are very liable to destruc- 

 tion by ants, which fact probably accounts for their being usually 

 deposited in sea-sand. They are soft, and without any white, and 

 their shell resembles the most beautiful light straw-colour kid leather 

 used for French gloves. These eggs are about the size of a domestic 

 pigeon's, but rather longer ; still they vary in dimensions according to 

 the age and size of the iguana. 



" This Iguana is not averse to water, when not too cold, taking 

 to it only when the sun is shining ; in fact, not moving about much at 

 any other time. Its mode of swimming differs from that of other 

 Lizards, inasmuch as it places its four legs close by the side of its 

 body, and swims entirely with its tail. It dives with great facility, and 

 remains sometimes for a considerable time under water. I believe 

 that it never ventures into the sea. The tail is a very valuable limb ; 

 for, besides being the sole means of swimming possessed by the 

 animal, it is of great use in climbing trees, although not prehensile : 

 and it is a more important weapon of defence, a blow from it being 

 frequently sufficient to inflict a severe wound. In fact, this Reptile is 

 rather formidable when brought to bay in the woods. It is hunted by 

 the natives with dogs trained for the purpose. The dog, immediately 

 upon scenting it, gives tongue, and, if on the ground, the dog seizes 

 it by the back, and either kills it or maims it, which makes its capture 

 easy ; if in a tree, the Iguana is either shaken down — a matter ordi- 

 narily of no small difficulty — or the branch is cut off. It is almost 



