292 Mr Spittal on the Natural History 



blishcd in this country, upon a principle of humanity, as well 

 as of the mercantile principle of gain ; and it will most amply 

 repay the government in a twofold manner. 



Head Quarters, Simla, 1 

 July 23. 1828. J 



Observations on the Natural History of the Chamaeleo vulgaris, 

 or Common Chameleon. By Robert Spittal, Esq. Member 

 of the Plinian Society, &c. Communicated by the Author *. 



1 HE singular habits of the chameleon have ever excited popular 

 astonishment, and from their peculiar interest, claimed in a high 

 degree the attention of the natural historian ; and though it be 

 now some time since, through his aid, many singular, but erro- 

 neous conclusions, concerning the nature and habits of this ani- 

 mal, have been dissipated, still we trust that the few remarks 

 we intend to make, from personal observation — having had two 

 of these animals in our possession for several months some time 

 ago — will not be deemed unworthy of attention. 



That the particular species to which our observations apply, 

 may be identified, we may mention that it is designated by 

 Baron Cuvier, in his Regne Animal, " Le Cameleon ordinaire.^' 

 It is a native of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Those in our pos- 

 session were brought from the south of Spain, and measured 

 about five inches in length, exclusive of the tail. On being 

 touched, they conveyed an impression of cold to the hand, and, 

 like other cold-blooded animals, were very sluggish in their 

 motions; and, indeed, we have frequently observed them re- 

 main in the same posture, for hours together, firmly embracing 

 the twig on which they stood, with their toes, having at the 

 same time, the tail generally twisted around the same, or some 

 adjacent twig. 



When excited to motion, by the appearance of a fly, not 

 within the range of their power, or otherwise, they proceeded 

 very slowly from branch to branch, moving first one extremity, 



• The Agama and Potychlorusy like the Chameleon, display, according to 

 circumstances, various beautiful colours. Even the deep black colour at times 

 assumed by the Chameleon, occurs also in these creatures— Edit. 



