76 
and white. One species, which lives in flocks of from twelve to twenty 
birds, is very common. They build a large nest common to the flock, in 
which I have sometimes found nearly thirty eggs. The eggs are about an 
inch long, scarcely longer than wide, and at first sight appear very rough 
and white, but they are really blue, but with a white crust which easily rubs 
off. This bird feeds upon insects, chiefly Lepidopterous larvse. It is found 
only in cultivated districts and old plantations, never in the primaeval 
forest. 
Land Tortoises are common in Brazil. They are generally found about 
ten inches long, but I once saw one that weighed fifty pounds, and measured 
nearly eighteen inches in length. An odd little mud tortoise, closely allied 
if not belonging to the genus Rhinosternum, is also common in most of the 
rivers. 
Two species of Alligators occur. The commonest is called by the 
Portuguese Jacara, and I have always considered its scientific name to be 
Caiman palpybrosus, though it would appear that it is the species Wood 
describes under the name of Jacare sclerops. Large specimens are about 
nine or ten feet long. I have frequently encountered them on the banks of 
rivers, and have shot many. 
The Amphisbcenidse are represented by different species. The commonest, 
Amphisboena alba, is frequently found in the nests of the Termites. It is 
known as the two headed snake, and is supposed to be very venomous. I 
scarcely need say this is not the case. 
Lizards of many species are abundant. The largest, known as the Tiu, 
Teius teguexin, as 1 before stated, is excellent eating. The Tiu is very fond 
of eggs, and will sometimes enter hen houses in search of them. I supposed 
its food to consist principally of insects, but I once saw a Tiu catch and eat 
a poisonous snake. Five venomous serpents are common at llheos, but their 
noxious qualites are, I think, much over rated. 
Amongst the chief are the Rattle-snake, Crotalus horridus, which is con- 
fined to sandy places, and the Surucucu, Lachesis vnutus, found only in 
damp places in the forests. The keeled scales of this latter species are very 
curious, and the skin is handsome when the animal is alive ; but from its 
great size and activity, it is by no means a pleasant neighbour. 
Several other snakes occur, but I have no space now to mention them. 
Mr. W. W. Stoddart, F.G.S., then read a paper entitled "Geological 
Notes from Norwich." 
After speaking of the nature of the Norfolk and Suffolk beds, and showing, 
by means of diagrams, the probable mode in which they had been deposited, 
