3ft NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Observations Description. 



regains the color ; this being the consequence of 

 an equilibrium in the liquids, and of a due pro- 

 portion of them in the vessels." 



These different relations respecting the differ- 

 ent colors of the cameleon, reminds us of the cele- 

 brated fable of the Cameleon ; like the disputants 

 in that fable, probably at the sight of this ani- 

 mal these gentlemen would also be inclined to 

 change their opinions. 



Previously to the cameleon's assuming a 

 change of color it makes a long inspiration, 

 the body swelling out to twice its usual size; 

 and, as this inflation subsides, the change of 

 color gradually takes place. The only permanent 

 marks are two small dark lines passing along the 

 sides. 



THE SALAMANDER. 



THIS an i nidi has a short cylindrical tail, 

 four toe's on the fore feet, and a naked porous 

 body. The color is a deep shining black, varie- 

 gated with large, oblong, and somewhat irregular 

 patches of bright orange yellow. Its eyes are 

 placed in the upper part of the head, which is a 

 little flatted ; their orbit projects into the interior 

 part of the palate, and is there almost surround- 

 ed by a row of very small teeth, like those in 

 the jaw bones; these teeth establish a near rela- 

 tion between lizards and fish, many species of 



