REPTILES. 34^ 



nakes, about three or four frogs and toads, and not a single 

 tortoise, the temperate parts of Europe produce about forty 

 snakes and lizards, and several of the tortoise tribe. A« 

 soon as we gain the southern extremity of Spain, the num- 

 ber of species in these tribes greatly increases, and in An- 

 dalusia the African complexion of the country is still further 

 manifested by the appearance of the chameleon. On pro- 

 ceeding further south, not only does the number of reptilea 

 increase, but they also augment in size, till, from the Tro- 

 pic of Cancer onwards, and beyond the Line, we meet with 

 the crocodiles, caymans, boas, and other giants of the reptile 

 race. For the present, however, we must confine ourselves 

 to a brief allusion to a very limited number of the African 

 tribes. 



1st, Ckelonian reptiles or tortoises and turtles. Several 

 of this division occur in Africa, such as the Testudo Grcecoy 

 the Testudo triunguis, &c. 



2d, Saurian reptiles. To this division belong the croco- 

 diles and lizards, the geckos, chameleons, and many others. 



The common crocodile {Lacerta crocodilus), celebrated in 

 the ancient history of Egypt, is spread over a considerable 

 extent of this continent. 



"Erewhile, emerging from the brooding sand, 

 With tiger paw he prints the brineless strand , 

 High on the flood, with speckled bosom swims, 

 Helmed with broad tail, and oared with giant limbs ; 

 Rolls his fierce eyeballs, clasps his iron claws, ' 



And champs with gnashing teeth his massy jaws. 

 Old Nilus sighs through all his cane-crowned shores, 

 And swarthy Memphis trembles and adores." 



There are several different kinds of crocodile in the old 

 and new world, and their tempers and dispositions seem to 

 vary in different localities. Humboldt and Mungo Park 

 regarded them with fear and trembling, while Audubon 

 and Mr. Waterton hold them in little consideration either 

 as friends or foes. Though seldom tamed, they are not by 

 any means incapable of domestication, as has been demon- 

 strated by many examples, both in ancient and modera 

 times. 



Many lizards occur in Africa. We shall only mention 

 one found near Mourzouk. It is called aselis, and, if not a 

 txue lizard, resembles one in form. When alarmed, it 



