THE AUSTRALIAN DRAGON 271 



were many dry banks in mid-stream, and the water only 

 averaged two feet deep. The fish seemed to be suffering 

 from the heat, as they were crowded into the deep holes. 

 We caught a few dozens of them, consisting of bream, 

 cat-fish, and the five-spotted fish described in the chapter 

 on the North- West region. 



On the 3rd of June I saw for the first time that 

 curious creature the Australian dragon, or frilled lizard 

 {Chlamydosaunis Kingi), a remarkably specialised creature, 

 insomuch that it habitually waddles about on its hind legs, 

 and never runs on all fours like other lizards. It is a 

 large lizard, often growing to a length of nearly a yard, 

 not more than a third of which is allotted to the tail. It 

 is of sluggish habits, and lives among the scanty scrub in 

 barren, sandy spots. It does not appear to dwell in holes, 

 or to resort to them for protection ; and its only means of 

 defence appears to consist in its huge frill, which is dilatable, 

 and when extended completely conceals the animal from 

 an enemy advancing in front. It also tries intimidation as 

 a means of defence ; and I have proved that this is 

 successful in protecting it from the attack of snakes, 

 which are probably its chief enemies. When an enemy 

 approaches it, it still retains the upright position, and 

 lashing furiously with its tail, grins in an appalling 

 manner, exposing all its teeth ; yet when seized it never 

 makes the slightest attempt to bite, and may be handled 

 with impunity. Its food consists of insects of all kinds, 

 and also other lizards ; but, like many other reptiles, it 

 goes long intervals of time between its meals. In captivity 

 one meal in six weeks' time is sufficient to keep it in health, 

 and it probably does not feed more frequently when at 

 large. It is not an abundant reptile. 



Other lizards are very plentiful in species and numbers 

 throughout this district, the most abundant being two 

 species of the Ablepharus genus, both of very small size 

 and active habits ; and the monitor ( Varanus sa/vator), 

 which is more abundant here than in Western Australia, 

 and also, I think, more aquatic in its habits ; though it is, 

 in all parts of the continent where it is found, more often 



