This terrestrial Crocodile comes to us by way of Alexandria and Venice, and is very useful in physical Prescriptions.
LXXVII. The Cordylus is a little noxious Reptile, supposed by some to be the Land Crocodile, because upon first sight it looks like the Nilotic; but upon a stricter view, the Fallacy appears. The Back is cover’d with close compacted Scales, as a House with Tiles, by which ’tis distinguish’d.
Its Tail is rough, and like a Club, wherewith it strikes whatever it meets, therefore is called Caudiverbera, that is, one that strikes with the Tail; a Tail prominent with War[[254]].
[254]. Raii Synopsis Animalium Quadrupedum, p. 263.
LXXVIII. The Tapayaxin is a Lizard of New Spain, and of a round form; and, Spaniard-like, is slow in Motion, and as loth to change its Seat, as the Spaniards their old Fashions and Customs. This little Creeper is of the northern Tribe, being generally found in the Mountains of cold Regions. It is observable, that if its Head be comprest or squeezed, it will throw out drops of Blood with a Force that will carry them several Yards off[[255]].
[255]. See Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordsh. p. 252.
LXXIX. The Lacertus Viridis, or green Lizard, is found in Italy, &c. lives in Meadows, and being of the harmless kind, little is said of it. There are many Lizards of other Colours, but none so beautiful as the green ones; tho’ very small, they are pretty: Many make themselves very familiar with them, and put them in their Bosom[[256]].
[256]. Nat. History of Carolina, 131, 2. N. B. These are found in Ireland.
LXXX. The Tejuguacu is a Brazilian Lizard, of black Colour, beautified with elegant white Spots, which renders it pleasing to the Eye: Its Tongue is long and cloven, smooth and red. ’Tis a little Creature, and moves its little Body with great Celerity; is patient in Want, and will for six or seven Moons, live without any kind of Sustenance, but Air, the Fluid in which we all breathe.
LXXXI. The Taraguira is another Brazilian, of about a Foot long, whose Body is smooth, and naturally guarded by an Armour of a strong squamatick Skin, and the Scales situated in a kind of triangular form: It affects to reside in Underwoods, and Places inclosed, and near to Houses.