278 
REPTILES. 
[Chap. IX. 
ments. As usually observed it is of a dull greenish 
brown,, but when excited its back becomes a rich olive 
green, leaving the head yellowish : the underside of the 
body is of a very pale blue, almost approaching white. 
The open mouth exhibits the fauces of an intense ver- 
milion tint; so that, although extremely handsome, 
this lizard presents, from its extraordinarily shaped 
head and threatening gestures, a most malignant aspect. 
It is, however, perfectly harmless. 
Chameleon. — The true chameleon 1 is found, but not 
in great numbers, in the dry districts to the north of 
Ceylon, where it frequents the trees, in slow pursuit of 
its insect prey ; but compensated for the sluggishness 
of its other movements, by the electric rapidity of its 
extensible tongue. Apparently sluggish in its general 
habits, the chameleon rests motionless on a branch, 
from which its varied hues render it scarcely distin- 
guishable in colour ; and there patiently awaits the ap- 
proach of the insects on which it feeds. Instantly on 
their appearance its wonderful tongue comes into play. 
TONGUE OF CHAMELEON. 
Though ordinarily concealed, it is capable of protrusion 
till it exceeds in length the whole body of the creature. 
No sooner does an incautious fly venture within reach 
1 Chameleo vulgaris, Baud. 
