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124 which does not harden by boiling. Spaces in the forest are enclosed, and quantities of young iguanas are hatched from the eggs and reared until they are large enough to be killed for food. When full-grown, they are often six feet in length, but they are considered best for eating when about half that size.

Another lizard occasionally used as food is an ugly monster about three feet long, with a long flexible tail and a formidable row of spikes all along its back to the very tip of its tail. Its habits are aquatic, and it can stay for hours below the water without breathing. It is a very fast swimmer, and uses only its long powerful tail in the water, clapping its short legs close to its body when swimming. They used to be much more numerous than now, but have been nearly exterminated by the hunters, and are only now to be met with occasionally in the more unfrequented parts of the lagoon.

Eating is not looked upon, as with us, as a thing to be done in company. All meals are taken in private, and at no assemblies or festive reunions are any viands offered or thought of.

Some families cook their victuals at home, and for this purpose they have a peculiar apparatus or kitchen-range, heated by electricity. But most families, and all single people, procure their food ready cooked from the provision shops provided for the purpose.

In order to eat conveniently, the usual plan is to raise the head out of the water in the air-reservoirs, with which all rooms are furnished; though some prefer to eat under water, and the food is supplied in vessels of a peculiar construction, which enable it to