FENCE-LIZARD. A small, active, and harm less iguanid lizard (Sceloporus vndulatus), com mon throughout all the warmer parts of the Fruited States and Mexico. It is exceedingly variable in color, hut. Eastern specimens are usually brown-green above and whitish below, with an indistinct stripe on each side, above which is a double series of narrow undulating rs, pointing forward. The males have a black mark diverging from the chin to each shoulder, and other blue and black patches and marks on the under surface which are lacking in the females. Texas and Sonoran examples form the paler variety consobrinus. and a Rocky Moun taM variety (tristichus) is distinguished by its green color and eight cross-bands.
This little animal is exceedingly active, run ning swiftly, dodging about tree-trunks with incredible agility, and hiding beneath loose bark, etc., for repose and safety. It climbs trees to some extent, but keeps mainly near the ground, darting along fences and prostrate logs in pursuit of insects or in fear of hawks and similar enemies. lie Kay states that it has sonic power
of elmnging its colors, and that when irritated it elevates its spinous scales, and bristles into a formidable appearance; it is, however, entirely harmless, and makes an amusing pet. It multi plies by eggs laid in dry earth, probably in little groups, in early summer. "The eggs are long and narrow, are covered with a tough coat . . . and are abandoned to their fate, but when tla• young are hatched they are treated with the utmost gentleness by all the adults." For systematic facts, consult Cope, Crocodilians, Lizards, and Snakes (Washington, 1900) ; for breeding habits, Hay, Batrachian.s and Reptiles . . . of Indiana (Indianapolis, 1593) ; also popular accounts in the books of De Kay, Abbott, Sharp, and similar writers.