ANOLIUS CAROLINENSIS. 



69 



sented in the accompanying plate; but these all disappear when the animal assumes 



Its greenest tmt. 



In giving this as the ordinary colour of the Anolius Carolinensis, it must be 

 remembered that the colour varies greatly at different times, according to the 

 season of the year, the weather, health of the animal, activity of the circulation, 

 &c. In cold weather, and in confinement, it is frequently dark brown, or brown 

 with a vertebral line of white, seeming an entirely different animal; in warm 

 weather it assumes, in the space of a few moments, every variety of shade, from 

 dark brown to the most beautiful golden-green. These variations in the colour 

 are so great, and take place so suddenly, that it is often supposed to depend on 

 the will of the animal, or the colour of the substance on which it is placed. 



> 



Dimensions. Length from the tip of the snout to the vent, 2| inches; length 

 of tail beyond the vent, 4J inches; total length, 6| inches. 



Geographical Distribution. The Anolius Carolinensis is first seen about 

 latitude 35° in the Atlantic States, whence its range extends to the Gulf of 

 Mexico, and westward to the Mississippi; and, according to Dr. Sibley, as far as 

 Natchitoches, on Red river. 



Too much attention cannot be paid to the geographical distribution of animals, 

 as no species can be considered as thoroughly known until we are acquainted 

 with all its localities, as well as its habits. 



It is from inattention to the geograpliical distribution of animals, that some of 

 the best zoologists of our day have been led into error, and described animals as 

 existing in countries where they are never seen. Thus Dumeril and Bibron, 

 having received specimens of the Anolius Carolinensis from Georgia, and also 

 from Milbert, then a resident at New York, say they have reason to believe it 

 is found in a great part of the United States — and so it would be did it exist in 

 the intermediate country between New York and Savannah; but in truth its 



