Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/38

BRITISH REPTILES spotted with black. In the female pale orange or yellow predominates, and there may or may not be any spots. The male measures about 6 inches. The female is somewhat larger. Possessed of amazing fleetness of movement, this Lizard is well able to evade its human, and very often its natural, pursuers. Even if it is caught, careful and secure grasp are necessary, or the creature is bound to make good its escape. It casts its skin in the same way as others of its race, and also hibernates.

Sand Lizard.—Lacerta agilis. Although belonging to the same Genus as the last-named, the Sand Lizard (see Coloured Plate II) is a much rarer animal, being restricted, it is believed, to the Counties of Dorset, Hants, and Surrey. Thus its distribution is almost identical with that of the Smooth Snake already dealt with. It appears to occur mostly where the country is low-lying, and certainly prefers a light dry soil. That it has occurred in at least one Northern County in days gone by seems authentically proved, but the opening up of the countryside for buildings, parks, and formal open spaces, has driven it, like so many other items in our fauna, from its one-time haunts. It affects a sandy region, as this is suited to it for assisting in hatching the eggs (this species not being viviparous), and the Sand Lizard is also fond of burrowing out of harm's way when the temperature is uncongenial. It is susceptible to cold and sudden change, and is a great lover of warmth when same can be secured. It is also fond of burrowing in loose sandy soil when hibernation is due. The live to 22