CHAMELEON. 221 



in length. The head is of a light brown colour; and the 

 back and tail are beautifully spotted with black, white, 

 and brown. All the under parts of the body are of a 

 yellowish or dirty white. 



Green Lizard. In various parts of the continent, 

 but particularly in the south of France and in Italy, 

 the Green Lizards are very numerous. It is said that 

 they sometimes venture to contend with serpents, and 

 that when they perceive the approach of one of these 

 animals, they are extremely alarmed, and run about 

 with great agitation. The ancient writers, inclined to 

 interpret favourably every circumstance in the character 

 of so beautiful a creature, have considered these indica- 

 tions of fear as marks of attachment to mankind, and 

 as intended to give them notice of the presence of a 

 serpent. 



The Green Lizard sometimes measures nearly two feet 

 in length. 



Chameleon. From a general notion that this animal 

 assumes the colour of any substance on which it is 

 placed, it has usually been considered to denote the 

 most abject flattery. It is found in the south of Europe, 

 in India, and America. In many respects, its habits 

 and character are very peculiar. It feeds on insects, 

 darting its tongue to a great distance out of its mouth, 

 for the purpose of securing them. Its tail is capable of 

 being coiled round any object, so as firmly to secure it 

 from falling. The eyes are each covered by a rough 

 membrane, having a narrow horizontal slit in the centre 

 which is attached to the eye-ball, and follows all its 

 motions ; and they have the singular property of being 

 moved different ways at the same time. The body of this 





