3 54 
LIZARDS. 
sandy plains, others dwell among the herbage of meadows, while others prefer 
woods, and a few are partially or wholly subterranean; these latter either taking 
possession of some empty hole, or digging one for themselves. In their general 
mode of life they resemble the monitors and true lizards, although some are more 
like the amphisbsenas. They are generally swift and active in their movements; 
and the larger kinds are thoroughly carnivorous, subsisting not only on insects, 
the teju (J nat. size). 
worms, slugs, and snails, but likewise hunting such of the smaller vertebrates as 
they are able to overcome. Most species deposit their eggs in the hollow stems, or 
among the roots of trees. A few of the larger species are hunted for the sake of 
their flesh, which is stated to be tender and well-flavoured. 
The Teju One k^rgest anc ^ best known representatives of the family 
is the lizard variously termed the teju, teguexin, or jacuaru 
(Tupinambis teguexin), which ranges over a large portion of South America and 
the West Indies, and belongs to a genus comprising three species. These lizards 
