ZOOLOGY. 



145 



In an extensive tribe like tliis^ where the individuals are 

 so exceedingly numerous, great variety will naturally occur 

 in size^ disposition, and habits. Crocodiles are confined to 

 large rivers and lakes, In the warmer parts of Asia, Africa, 

 and America, they are all carnivorous, and attack almost 

 every kind of Animal that approaches their retreats, not ex- 

 cepting Man. Some species grow to a vast size, attaining 

 the length of thirty feet. These are oviparous, depositing 

 their eggs in the sands, and frequently the young are 

 devoured as soon as they quit the shell by their parents. 

 Guanas are natives of Africa and America, and most of the 

 kinds are esteemed delicate and nutritious food for Man ; 

 they resort to woody, shady, and some, to sandy places, 

 and feed on insects, and worms; they are generally 

 oviparous. 



Lizards arc principally insectivorous, some reside in 

 sand banks, or among the roots of trees, others, in dry 

 sunny places ; scrae are viviparous, others oviparous, 

 and several become torpid during cold weather. Cha- 

 MiELioNs, are generally found in trees, among the l^ranches 

 of which they almost constantly reside ; they ar" natives of 

 warm and temperate climates. The power of changing the 

 apparent colour of the skin in these Animals is highly 

 curious, and though proverbially ascribed to this rarticular 

 tribe, is also possessed by many of the Guanas and Lizards. 

 Newts, reside principally in the water, and feed on worms, 

 and aquatic insects. Snake Lizards, inhabit moist fields, 

 and meadows, in warm countries ; none are found ia 

 Euroge. 



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