412 



LOWER VERTEBRATES. 



D. volans inhabits Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and has been taken at Singajjore and 

 Penang. 



The frilled-lizard, Cldwnydosawus kinffii, is an animal of considerable size, nearly 

 reaching the length of three feet, and inhabiting Australia. It is provided, when 

 adult, with an enormous frill or collar attaclied on each side of the neck behind the 

 ears, which ordinarly lies upon the sides of the body, though, when the animal is ex- 

 cited, the structure is quickly elevated and brought forward, like an inverted umbrella, 

 and being beset on both sides with large keeled scales, is of considerable value as a 

 shield of defence. 



I''IG. 23is. — Chtam/jdo^aitras kingit, trilled lizard. 



Captain Grey, in writing of this animal, says: "As we were pursuing our walk in 

 the afternoon, we fell in with a s]iecimen of the romarkal)le frilled-lizard. It lives 

 principally in trees, though it can run very swiftly along the ground. When not pro- 

 voked or disturbed it moves quietly about, witli its frill lying back in jilaits ujion the 

 body; but it is very irascible, and, directly it is frightened, it elevates the frill or ruff, 

 and m.akes for a tree, where, if overtaken, it throws itself on its stern, raising its 

 head and chest as high as it can upon the fore legs, then, doubling its head underneath 

 the body, and disjilaying a very formidable set of teeth from the cavity of its large 

 frill, it boldly faces an ojijionent, biting furiously at M'batever is ])resented to it, and 

 even venturing so far in its I'age as to fairly ntake a charge at its cnemv." 



