the chinks of the former, or in the irregular cavities of the latter; and when any irregularities exist upon the surface of the rocks or stones, it clasps them so firmly with its toes, that it becomes a task of no small difficulty to dislodge it, even though it can be easily reached. Under such circumstances the strength of no one man is able to withdraw a full-grown individual; and I have seen two persons required to pull a specimen out of a position it had attained, even with the assistance of a rope fixed in front of its hinder legs. The moment it was dislodged it flew with fury at its enemies, who by flight only saved themselves from being bitten. After it was killed it was discovered that the points of all the nails had been broken previously, or at the moment it lost its hold. It feeds upon frogs, crabs, and small quadrupeds; and from its partiality to the two former, it is often found among rocks near to springs or running streams; which fact having been observed by the natives, has led them to regard it as sacred, and not to be injured without danger of drought."[1]
Genus Teius. (Merr.)
This limited genus of large Lizards is by some zoologists made the type of a separate Family; but they seem to have so many affinities with the Monitors of the Old World as to be rightly associated with them. In many of their habits they agree with the aquatic forms we have just described, and partake of a similar name and reputation, being commonly known as Sauvegardes.
- ↑ Illust. Zool. S. Afr.
