LIZARDS. 



319 



equal length ; those before are turned backward, and those behind 

 are turned forward. 



The Chameleon has the remarkable power of changing 

 color. Its natural color, when at rest and in the shade, is a bluish 

 grey, which, when exposed to the sun, becomes a deeper grey , 

 while those parts which have least light ixpon them are changed 



The Champl'»on. 



into spots of various colors. Sometimes, when handled, it disco- 

 vers dark spots inclining to green. When placed on a black hat, 

 it appears of the color of violet; and sometimes," if wrapped up in 

 linen, it looks white. This creature has the most remarkable 

 power of enlarging and contracting itself; at one time appearing 

 long, fat, and plump ; and at another, short and emaciated, like a 

 skeleton. The Chameleon lays eggs, many at once, of an oval 

 shape, and covered with a white" skin, somewhat like parchment. 

 This species is chiefly found in Africa and Asia ; also in Spain, 

 the isles of Bourbon, France, and Madagascar, in Fernando Po, 

 and New South Wales. 



