322 Observations on the Chameleon. 



backward formed an elevated crest of a triangular shape, the 

 posterior edges of which passed down, one on each side, to 

 the hindmost angles of the jaw. The eye large, projecting, 

 conical, covered with the common skin ; the pupil deeply 

 seated in a hole scarcely larger than would be made with a pin. 

 It is black and lively, and encircled with a gold coloured iris that 

 is not wider than a thread. The projecting eyeball is capable of 

 very extensive movement, and the movements of each eye are 

 independent of its opposite ; so that they are rarely seen directed 

 to .one object, except when this creature is intent on seizing 

 its prey. The body is usually much compressed, but on the 

 inhalation of air it becomes greatly distended; and it may be 

 readily supposed that the difference in its appearance from 

 this cause was what led to the opinion that air formed 

 the material portion of its diet. The back is ridged, and, on 

 account of the tubercles on it, slightly serrated ; the belly also 

 has an obscure ridge. Above the hind legs the body is slender; 

 the tail flattened at its origin, round and tapering through its 

 posterior half; the legs long, those behind longest and with a 

 very extensive motion at their articulation with the body : the 

 claws sharp, five on each leg, and united in sets ; that is, on 

 the anterior legs two of the toes are joined together on the 

 outward side and three inward ; on the hind legs three are 

 joined together on the outward side and two inward. The 

 bod}^ is covered with slight papillous elevations. 



This creature moves slowly and with much apparent de- 

 liberation, especially when on the ground; but its favourite 

 place of resort is a bush or branched stick, along which it 

 proceeds with great care, never losing its grasp with one hand 

 —as its singularly formed feet may well be termed — until it 

 has secured a firm holdfast with the others ; and the tail at the 

 same time is employed in keeping itself safe by twisting round 

 the branch on which it is to advance. This last named expe- 

 dient is especially needed, in order to keep the body erect 

 when on a slender twig ; since for this purpose the feet alone 

 appear to be of* comparatively small service. 



The colour of the chameleon is subject to continual change; 

 but if a creature that rarely retains the same hue for ten 

 minutes together can be said to possess one which may be 

 termed its own, it is dusky brown, or almost black, nearly 

 approaching to the darkness of soot. This it is which it assumes 

 when it compresses its sides, and places its body with the plane 

 of its surface to be exposed to the direct beams of the sun, so 

 as to receive the full benefit of its rays : of which, as we shall 

 have further to remark, the light is of more importance to its 

 health and comfort than the heat. And when thus enjoying itself 

 even the mouth is extended to receive the influence, although 



