ring over the sandy soil. Now they
may be seen turning round the trunk of a tree, much as a squirrel does,
watching the passer-by, and trying to keep out of sight. Some are of a
dark coppery colour, others have backs of the most brilliant silky green
and blue, while others are marked with delicate shades of yellow and
brown.

The largest of their family is the teguexin, or variegated lizard.
Sometimes it is called the safeguard, from the idea--probably an idle
fable--that, like the monitors of the Nile, they give notice of the
approach of the alligator by their loud hissing.

There are several species which inhabit the hot, sandy plains, or dense,
damp underwood near the rivers and lakes. One of them exceeds five feet
in length, and is extremely active. It feeds almost entirely on snakes,
frogs, and toads, but occasionally devours poultry, and breakfasts off
their eggs. It is also somewhat of a cannibal, for though it will not
eat its own species, it does occasionally those of a somewhat smaller
lizard allied to it. It possesses strong teeth, and can bite with great
force; indeed, when attacked it defends itself fiercely, and when
seizing a foe can seldom be compelled to let go.

Its colour is variable, but generally the upper parts of the body are
deep black, with mottlings of yellow or green; while on the higher
portions of its sides are a series of white spots, the under part being
chiefly yellow, with black bands.

The little ameiva, on which it occasionally preys, is of a dark olive
colour, speckled with black about the neck.

There is another large lizard, known as the great dragon (Ada
Guianensis). It is of an olive colour, with yellow below, and mottled
with brown; and frequently attains a length of six feet. While the
former cannot climb trees, it is a good swimmer. The great dragon
climbs with wonderful agility, but is said not to be very much at home
in the water. It also bites fiercely.

Both are hunted for the sake of their flesh; while their eggs--of which
thirty or forty are laid--are considered great delicacies.

GECKOS.

Not only in the huts of the natives, but in the abodes of the wealthy
white men, hid during the day in dark corners, are numbers of dark grey,
hideous-looking lizards, which, when night comes on, crawl rapidly over
the walls and ceilings, hunting for the flies and other insects to be
found there. Repulsive as are these little geckos, and undeservedly
possessing a ba