222 RATTLESNAKE TRIBE. 



creature is capable of being inflated, or blown up to a 

 great size, a property unknown in any others of the 

 Lizard tribe. Hence arose the fabulous notion, that the 

 Chameleon feeds on air. 



This animal has on each of its feet five toes, three of 

 which are situated one way, and two another. Its body 

 varies in colour, and is covered with a warty skin. 



Salamander. The fables which have been related of 

 the Salamander are numerous, and, in many respects, 

 extremely absurd. Though an animal not more than 

 seven or eight inches in length, it has been considered 

 capable of extinguishing, if thrown into them, the 

 fiercest and most raging flames. It is a simple and 

 perfectly harmless little lizard, which lives in moist 

 woods and mountains, and which also is frequently to 

 be seen in the water. It feeds on insects, and is pro- 

 duced from eggs that are hatched within the body of the 

 female. 



Its tail is short and round ; and the body warty, and 

 of a shining black colour, variegated with large, oblong, 

 and irregular patches of yellow. There are four toes, 

 without nails, on each fore foot. The Salamander is 

 found in shady woods, in many parts of Germany, Italy, 

 and France. 



ORDER II. SERPENTS. 



4. RATTLESNAKE TRIBE, 



These serpents are distinguished from all others by 

 their having, at the extremity of the tail, several joints, 



