Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1915 — An Ancient Lizard. [ARTICLE]

An Ancient Lizard.

The tuatara lizard found In New Zealand is one of the most ancient forms of animal life now found on earth. Originally this lizard possessed four eyes, but In the course of the ages it has lost one pair and must now get along* with two. The tuatara lays eggs which are remarkable In that they require fourteen months to hatch, the embryo passing the winter In a state of hibernation. These small survivors of past ages are found only In a few localities and are becoming very scarce, collectors from every part of the world being continually on their trail. They are about two feet in length, and In common with other lizards have the fortunate characteristic of being able to replace portions of their 11mhp or tails which have been destroyed. It Is asserted that one of theSe lizards owned by a naturalist had the misfortune some time ago to lose an eye and that a complete new eye, perfect In every way, has grown In the place of the old one.—Harper's Weekly.