.324 Observations on the Chameleon. 



two rows of large purple spots. When the stick on which it 

 rested was touched gentry, without waking it, it. became 

 instantly covered all over with minute brown spots. On 

 another occasion, when the colour was altogether yellow, a 

 book was held so as to cast a shade on the anterior part of the 

 body, while a candle was held within four inches of the hind- 

 most portion ; and then presently the illuminated part changed 

 to a light brown, while the shaded portion remained as before ; 

 and when the screen was removed the exact limit of the shade 

 was visible. When again the colour was yellow with two rows 

 of white spots, in breathing on it so gently that nothing beyond 

 the warmth of the breath could have been perceived, it imme- 

 diately became covered with minute brown spots on both its 

 sides ; and at all times it was discerned by examination with a 

 lens, that the colours existed entirely in the very small 

 tubercles with which the body was covered, and not in the 

 skin which lay between them. 



I had hitherto paid no attention to the question whether it 

 was necessary to its health that it should be supplied with 

 drink • but it was not long before an opportunity was afforded 

 for removing all doubt on that subject. Whilst the chameleon 

 was near me at a window, basking in the sun, I was engaged 

 in drawing the figure of a fish ; and in order to preserve it 

 alive, it had been wrapped up in sea- weed that was charged 

 with salt water. Having removed the weed, some fresh water 

 was poured on the fish, on perceiving which the chameleon 

 immediately left its station at the distance of about a foot, and 

 hastened with unusual speed to the place ; where it scrambled 

 into the vessel, and began to lap the water by repeatedly 

 placing its tongue in contact with the fish, in which action 

 the fleshy portion of its tongue being thrust a little beyond the 

 lips, and then lifting its head, it swallowed the water in 

 repeated efforts. When the fish was removed to different 

 parts of the vessel, the chameleon followed it, without being 

 alarmed, as it usually was, at my meddling with it. In order 

 to ascertain whether ifc was the salt that might be still on the 

 fish which attracted its attention, I sprinkled a portion of the 

 fish with salt ; but when it touched this part with its tougue, 

 it turned away to where the water was fresh; but having 

 lapped it for a moment it returned and applied its tongue to a 

 portion of the fish which I had newly turned up ; and it was 

 from this manner of proceeding that I concluded its habits to 

 be to quench its thirst by taking moisture from pome fixed 

 surface rather than by drinking from a pool or floating liquid. 

 At this time the quantity of water swallowed appeared to be 

 equal to a tablespoonful, and when satisfied its sides had 

 become very much distended. From the 28rd of August this 



