OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHAMELEON. 181 



The lot of the chameleon is to live on trees and subsist on insects. 

 Its motions are sluggish. It lies close upon a branch, assuming a form 

 and color suitable to concealment, with its mouth wide open. Its 

 viscid mucus serves to attract insects, and the moment they come in 

 contact with it they are securely caught. When within two or three 

 inches, the tongue is thrust out like a flash, the intruder is caught 

 on the swab and drawn into the mouth. The tongue is then drawn 

 down the throat, carrying the victim alive into the stomach. Be- 

 yond this we are not able to trace the process. We have seen grass- 

 hoppers to the number of half a dozen thus drawn in one after 

 another. 



Whether the change of color and form is voluntary or not, I have 

 been unable to determine. From careful observation I am inclined to 

 the opinion that it may be both voluntary and involuntary. Change 

 of form seems to be quite under control, and change of color appears 

 to be so at times. 



Their intelligence seems to be of a very low order. After being- 

 separated they greet one another with open mouth and a hiss. They 

 manifest no emotion, and no form of petting seems to be appreciated. 

 Their instinct is to conceal themselves from observation, to climb to the 

 highest available point, and to lie with open mouth waiting for their 

 prey to come to them. The only activity they manifest is in the 

 use of the tongue, and in this they are not excelled by any other 

 animal. 



In conclusion, we may notice some prominent marks of design and 

 adaptation : 



1. The power to change color and form affords the means of con- 

 cealment. 



2. The sharp claws and muscular power of feet and tail fit it for its 

 abode on the branches of trees, often swayed and dashed about by the 

 fierce tempest. 



3. The tenacious mucus of its mouth attracts insects, while the dart- 

 ing tongue by the rapidity of its motion is an offset to the sluggishness 

 of -the creature's movements. 



4. Its armor-plates afford a protection from other marauders, and 

 also from the heat of the sun and the inclemencies of the weather. 



5. It is the friend of man, subsisting mainly if not entirely on insects 

 that are injurious to vegetation. 



