96 



Marvels of the Universe 



Flying lizards, as tliey ought to be called, are strictly arboreal reptiles, dwelling high up in palms 

 and other trees, and, therefore, seldom seen, as it is but rarely they descend to the ground. When 

 the parachute is expanded, they look like gorgeous butterflies, or even brilliant flowers ; and when 

 the parachute is suddenly opened preparatory to flight, the contrast to the appearance of the 

 creature when at rest is really startling. Much the same, in fact, as when a moth with brightly- 

 coloured under-wings suddenly starts to fly. For when a flying lizard is at rest, clinging tightly to 

 a bough, the mottled colouring of the back harmonizes so exactly with the lichen-clad bark, that 

 detection at a short distance is almost impossible, although the creature's presence is often revealed 

 b}' its brilliant eye. Unlike many kinds of lizards, Fl3''ing Dragons appear to have no power of 

 changing the colour of their skin in accordance with surrounding requirements. 



When moving along the branches in search of the small insects which form their prey, Flying 

 Dragons generally progress by a series of short hops or leaps ; and it seems that it is only .when they 

 have exhausted the food-supply of the branches on which they happen to be situated that they sally 

 forth in flight in search of pastures new. The}', of course, ahvaj-s fly from a higher to a lower bough, 

 and when they have got too low down they are consequently compelled to reacquire a sufficient 

 elevation b\' climbing the trunk. They appear to have no power of altering the direction of their 

 flight. 



THE STING OF A NETTLE 



BY EDW.-\RD STEP, F.L.S. 



There are probably few persons who can say they have never experienced the irritation produced 

 by the Stinging Nettle having come lightly in contact with their tender skin, ^^'e say " lightl}'," 

 for there is truth in Aaron Hill's old jingle ; 



" Tender-handed stroke a netile, and it stings you for your pains ; 

 Grasp it like a man of mettle, and as soft as silk remains." 



Photos hi/} 



THE STING OF A 



The sting of the Stinging Nettle is compared 

 knob guarding the fine point of the sting, but which 

 actual thicUness 



IF. Noad Clark tC A. E. Smith. 

 NETTLE. A NEEDLE-POINT. 



vith the point of the finest needle made— a number 16. Note the little 

 is broken off by the slightest contact Both are enlarged to fifty times the 



