THE SALAMANDER. 67 



always sudden. But, notwithstanding this irregu- 

 larity in its change, especially when hurried or dis- 

 turbed, its most permanent colour, in repose, was 

 that of the ground on which it lay; provided the 

 ground was not of one of the colours that it never 

 does assume, of red or blue. Little material difference 

 was observable, whether the experiments were 

 made in the shade or in the sun ; but the animal 

 appears duller at some times than others, and cap- 

 tivity seems to abate its alacrity in changing*. 



Mr. Barrow says that " previously to the Cha- 

 meleon's assuming a change of colour it makes a 

 long inspiration, the body swelling out to twice its 

 usual size ; and, as this inflation subsides, the 

 change of colour gradually takes place. The only 

 permanent marks are two small dark lines passing 

 •along the sides |. 



THE SALAMANDER J. 



No animal of the present tribe, except the Cro=- 

 codile, has been more frequently spoken of than 

 the Salamander. It is found in shady woods in 

 many parts of Germany, Italy, and France, and is 

 easily distinguished by its short cylindrical tail, and 

 deep shining black colour, variegated with large 

 oblong and somewhat irregular patches of bright 



* Russel's Natural History of Aleppo. 



+ Barrow's Travels in Africa. 



% Lacerta Salasnsuadra. Linn. — —ShaiM^s Gen. ZqqL <vok $. tab, %: 



¥ 2 



