XII 



AGAMIDAE 



523 



and fold the IVill. A\'heii this curious creature is pursued it folds 

 the frill and runs in a semi-erect position \\\n>]i iis liind-limbs, 

 Avith its fore-limbs hanging down. However, it cannot keep 

 up this peculiar gait for long, and it then suddenly turns to bay, 

 frequently at the root of a tree, which it can climb with ease. 

 "When standing at bay it spreads out the shield, to its full extent, 

 in the middle of which appears the widely opened mouth, which 

 is red inside and armed with powerful teetli. Altogether this 



Fit;. 126. — Chlamjjdosauri/s kingi. x {. 



lizard presents a formidable aspect, and is an enemy not to be 

 despised, considering that it is strongly built and grows to nearly 

 3 feet in lengtli. For a further account of the habits and of 

 the mechanism of the frill see l)e Vis.^ 



Physifjnathvs.- — -This is a water-loving genus, inhahiling well- 

 watered districts with luxurious vegetation in Australia, Tapuasia, 

 Siani, and Cochin China. The body and tlie very long tail are 

 laterally compressed aiul furnished with a low, serrated crest. 

 Ph. lesueuri of Queensland reaches a length of about IS inches. 

 The general coloui' is dark olive ;d)ove, with darker and lighter 



' /'. Luin. Sot: X.S.JC. viii. 1883, p. .-iOO. 



