GECKOS. 115 



their prey ; emerging from the chinks and recesses where they conceal themselves 

 during the day, to search for insects that then retire to settle for the night. In a 

 boudoir, where the ladies of my family spent their evenings, one of these familiar 

 and amusing little creatures had its hiding-place behind a gilt picture-frame. 

 Punctually as the candles were lighted, it made its appearance on the wall to be 

 feel with its accustomed crumbs ; and, if neglected, it reiterated its sharp quick call 



WALL-GECKOS (nat. size). 



of chic, chic, chit, till attended to. It was of a delicate grey colour, tinged with 

 pink ; and having by accident fallen on a work-table, it fled, leaving part of its 

 tail behind it, which, however, it reproduced within less than a month. ... In an 

 officer's quarters, in the fort at Colombo, a gecko had been taught to come daily to 

 the dinner-table, and always made its appearance along with the dessert. The 

 family were absent for some months, during which the house underwent extensive 

 repairs, the roof having been raised, the walls stuccoed, and the ceilings whitened. 

 It was naturally surmised that so long a suspension of its accustomed habits would 



