EGG-LAYING HABITS 
but to certain small islands off the main islands. They 
are particularly common apparently in Stephen’s island, 
where their breeding habits have been observed. At the 
Zoo they have been given every chance to let us into 
these mysteries, but without avail. The reptile lays 
eggs in a burrow which it inhabits in perfect amity with 
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HATTERIA LIZARD. 
various birds, like several other burrowing animals that 
we deal with in this book, such as the American prairie 
dog and vizcacha. In these burrows it deposits its eggs, 
carrying them in in its mouth after actually “ laying ” 
them outside. Why this elaboration of instinct should 
have been evolved does not seem easy of explanation. 
252 
