692 Habits of the Chameleon. 



and rarely has the tedium of a protracted voyage been more 

 effectually or advantageously dispelled than by the varied 

 studies which he, during the whole progress, unweariedly 

 pursued. 



• We have seen the lone wanderer irresistibly impelled, by 

 the contemplation of Nature in her grandest yet most savage 

 form, to penetrate the parched deserts of Africa ; and, in 

 search of all- captivating novelty, discarding the primary in- 

 stinct of the mind, to approach even the ruthless tiger's lair, 

 as though unconscious of danger : but our Caley was destined 

 to less hazardous shores ; it was his fate to be wafted to more 

 temperate climes ; and, while exploring the flowery prairies 

 surrounding Botany Bay, instead of encountering the Mauri- 

 tanian lion, he felt no fear but that of scaring away the timid 

 kangaroo. 



Thus did this extraordinary man attain the summit of his 

 ambition : yet what could have been more adverse than such 

 a birth, than such a parentage, and, we might almost add, 

 than such an education ! But true genius, if accompanied 

 with discretion, surmounts all impediments. 



How satisfactorily Mr. Caley justified the confidence placed 

 in him is well known. Indeed, it appears by his letters from 

 Paramatta, Sydney, and other stations in the colony of New 

 South Wales, that, as the illimitable field of Nature expanded 

 before his enraptured gaze, proportionally did his powers of 

 observation become enlarged. No branch of natural history 

 seems to have been neglected : and the extensive collection of 

 quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles, in 1818 purchased by the 

 Linnean Society, and still constituting the most splendid por- 

 tion of that museum, will remain a lasting monument of his 

 successful efforts. 



But having already, in some degree, fulfilled the intention 

 proposed, and being reluctant further to trespass on your 

 valuable pages, I conclude by subscribing myself. 

 Sir, yours, very respectfully, 



William Withering. 

 Wick House, Feb. 10. 1830. 



Art. III. On the Habits of the Chameleon. By Henry Slight, 

 Esq. M.R.C.S., Honorary Librarian to the Portsmouth Philo- 

 sophical Institution. 



Sir, 

 In your last Number (p. 188.), your ingenious correspond- 

 ent J. H. Davies gives a short description of the chameleon. 

 Now, the animal thus spoken of was sent with a smaller one 



J 



