ANGLES. 129 



stream. In some specimens of the males, we are informed, the tail is 

 much more compressed than in others. In a series of the young 

 the crest is shown in all stages of development. We also learn 

 from this naturalist that, notwithstanding the compressed form of 

 its tail, the Basilisk does not habitually enter the water, as most 

 writers have supposed. 



The sub-family of Anoles {Anoliincs) have mostly the skin of 

 their toes widened (under the ante-penultimate phalanx) into an 

 oval disk, striated crosswise underneath, which enables them to 

 attach themselves to various surfaces. They do not attain the large 

 size of the Iguanas, and the habits and characteristics of the 

 various species inhabiting Jamaica are thus vividly described by 

 Mr. P. H. Gosse in his "Naturalist's Sojourn" in that beautiful 

 island. " The stranger," he remarks, " walks into the dwelling- 

 house. Lizards, still Lizards, meet his eyes. The little Anoles 

 (A. iodurus, A. opalinus, &c.) are chasing each other in and out 

 between the jalousies, now stopping to protrude from the throat a 

 broad disk of brilliant colour, crimson or orange, like the petal of 

 a flower, then withdrawing it, and again displaying it in 

 coquettish sport. Then one leaps a yard or two through the air 

 and alights on the bp,ck of his playfellow ; and both struggle and 

 twist about in unimaginable contortions. Another is running up 

 and down on the plastered wall, catching the Ants as they roam 

 in black lines over its whitened surface ; and another leaps from 

 the top of some piece of furniture upon the back of the visitor's 

 chair, and scampers nimbly along the collar of his coat. It jumps 

 on the table ; — can it be the same ? An instant ago it was of the 

 most beautiful golden green, except the base of the tail, which wais 

 of a soft, light, purple hue ; now, as if changed by an enchanter's 

 wand, it is of a dull sooty brown all over, and becomes momen- 

 tarily darker and darker, or mottled with, dark and pale patches of 

 a most unpleasing aspect. Presently, however, the mental emotion, 

 whatever it was — anger, or fear, or dislike — has passed away, and 

 the lovely green hue sparkles in the glancing sunlight as before." 



The green colour of certain of these Anoles so closely resembles 

 that of foliage, that they are apt to be overlooked. Thus Mr. 

 Gosse was about to throw a net over a Butterfly, when, as he 

 remarks, "on a slight rustle among the leaves, I observed that it 



K 



