CURIOUS DWELLERS OF SWAMP AND FOREST. 159 



niics. The female lays about thirty eggs, which are de- 

 posited in a hollow in the ground, and covered with loose 

 earth. 



4. The immobility of the chameleon distinguishes it 

 markedly from the rest of the lizard tribe, which are gen- 

 erally active and quick in their movements. Alfred Brehm 

 states that the chameleon never moves at all except from 

 necessity ; it will remain in one position on a branch or 

 twig for hours at a time, firmly grasping with tail and 

 paws the object on which it is perched. The eyes, on the 

 contrary, are nearly always in motion. In their battles 

 they use their teeth, but without doing serious injury ; and 

 they have a curious way of solemnly lashing one another 

 with their tails. But such activity as this is exceptional 

 in the chameleon : it is to be seen especially in the pairing 

 season. 



5. When preying on winged insects, the chameleon is 

 seen occasionally to protrude the knobbed end of his tongue, 

 and in an instant that member is shot forth and again re- 

 tracted, bearing the prey into the captor's month. The 

 extremity of the tongue exudes a sticky substance on which 

 the prey is caught. When flies and other winged insects 

 are not to be had, the chameleon's swivel-eyes scan the 

 trunk of the tree, and the branches above, below, and on 

 all sides around, to see if any creeping thing may be caught. 

 If any such creature is approaching the spot where the 

 chameleon is lying, he waits till it comes within striking 

 distance, and then "discharges" his tongue at it. 



6. But, if the creature is traveling away from him, he 

 pursues, though with grave deliberation. If the prey comes 

 very near to his muzzle, the chameleon retreats a little, to 

 increase the distance, and then darts out his tongue. In 

 performing this act, the chameleon displays very great 

 activity ; otherwise, all his movements are the reverse of 

 precipitate. Thus, if he would change from his normal 



