WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 
These reptiles are remarkable for their great number of 
species and variety of forms, differing much in habits and 
food, and being widely distributed. Many of them are of 
great beauty, both in form and colour ; the Laccrta viridis, 
common green lizard, may be quoted as an example of fine 
form and brilliant colour ; and, on the other hand, we have 
the most repulsive-looking creature in the spiny species 
known as the AIolocJi liorridus ; a more hideous creature 
cannot well be imagined. Many singular peculiarities 
appertain to the lizard family, some of them being desti- 
tute of the external limbs, such as the slow-worms and the 
grass snakes. 
The brittleness of the tails of many species and the 
parts that have been broken off* being replaced by a new 
growth, are very remarkable. 
The tail is used by the monitors and others in defend- 
ing themselves against, and in trying to escape from, their 
enemies, and a most severe weapon it proves to be ; the 
strength and power put forth in giving a blow, or rather 
in slashing or lashing from side to side, or upwards, with 
this whip-like appendage would astonish any one who 
incautiously attempted to handle one of these animals in 
full activity. 
The wonderful rapidity with which they move sur- 
passes all belief, and only those who have witnessed 
their lightning-like disappearance from sight upon 
being surprised, can realize the quickness of their move- 
ments. 
It must be impressed upon the mind that the tempera- 
ture and state of the atmosphere exert great influence over 
these animals. A lizard that could rush before you, and 
vanish like a flash of light, in the heat of the sun’s rays, 
would lie apparently lifeless during the cold of the night ; 
heat is life, cold is death, to the lizard tribe. The state 
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