

SATJRIANS. 485 



wards or backwards, while that of the other is in a contrary 

 direction, giving a strange and most ludicrous aspect to the ani- 

 mal, in unison with its general contour and slow movements. 

 In consequence of this independent motion of the eyes the animal 

 when agitated, appears, in its movements, as if it were joined to 

 another, with which it has no unity of purpose or action. For 

 this reason, the Chameleon never goes into the water. He can- 

 not swim ; when in the water his power of concentration is lost; 

 and he tumbles about as if in a state of intoxication. Moreover, 

 he may be asleep on one side, and awake on the other ! 



As Cuvier observes, the only part of the Chameleon which 

 moves with quickness, is its tongue. This organ is cylindrical 

 and worm-like in shape, capable of being greatly elongated ; it 

 terminates in a fleshy tubercle, and is lubricated with a viscous 

 saliva. When not in use, it can be withdrawn into the mouth, 

 but is thrust forth with noiseless and arrow-like rapidity after in- 

 sects, slugs, and the like, which come within its reach. On these 

 the animal lives, and not "on air," as many of the ancients sup- 

 posed. The gummy secretion at the tip of the tongue enables it 

 to secure its food readily. When fully protruded, the tongue 

 reaches to a distance equal to the length of the animal's body. 

 "An insect on a leaf at an apparently hopeless distance, or. a 

 drop of water on a twig, disappear as if by enchantment, before 

 the Chameleon," so marvelously rapid is the movement of its 

 tongue ; and here, doubtless, is the origin of the old idea relating 

 to the airiness of its food. The structure of the grasping power 

 of the tail in these animals can hardly fail to remind the beholder 

 of the Spider Monkeys, and distinctly points to their arboreal 

 habits ; when they descend to the ground, their actions there 

 appear strange and awkward. The females of this group dig a 

 hole in the ground for the reception of their eggs, which they 

 cover with earth and dry leaves. 



In captivity, the Chameleons have little in their habits or 

 manners that is pleasing or attractive. Like all the Lizard 

 tribe, they are capable of enduring long-continued abstinence from 

 food, and apparently without injury. 



Fifteen species, mostly African, are described as belonging to 

 the genus Chamodeon. 



The COMMON CHAMELEON, C. vulgaris, is found in the south 

 of Europe, as well as in Africa. This species, the emblem of 

 hypocrisy and inconstancy, is the one so well known to the an- 

 cients, and respecting which so much has been said relative to 

 its power of changing its form, and taking the color of near ob- 

 jects, and which was believed " to live on air." 



