ZOOLOGY. 
361 
the male ostrich simulates lameness (like the peewit 
and the wild duck), in order to distract the pursuit of 
his children by would-be captors. 
Among reptiles, crocodiles are found in Lake Jipe 
and in the River Ruvu. Large varanus lizards ( Moni¬ 
tor niloticus ) are frequently found in the forests of 
Taveita. They share the water and the trees as their 
habitat, generally plunging into the stream -when 
frightened or disturbed. They seem to me to feed 
largely on fish, and no doubt often capture and eat 
small squirrels and birds. When extended full length 
along a tree-trunk, immobile, and exactly matching 
the colour of the bark with their grey-green mottled 
skin, these creatures are very hard to distinguish from 
their surroundings, and doubtless often in consequence 
deceive the sharp eyes even of a squirrel. From what 
I know of these creatures, and from what the natives 
tell me, they use their long, heavy, whip-like tail as 
a powerful weapon. When driven into a corner they 
will slash right and left, and if the tail strikes your 
shins they will certainly be barked. A blow with the 
tail will kill a dog, and I believe many an unwary bird, 
squirrel, and possibly small monkey, is flicked from a 
tree overhanging the stream into the water, and 
plunged after by the agile lizard. The teeth of this 
creature are weak and blunt, and only sufficient for 
mastication. 
There are some five species of snakes, mostly non- 
venomous. The common python is present. 
Chameleons are not only very common on Kilima¬ 
njaro, but are found up to an altitude of 13,000 feet. 
The natives consider them venomous and hurtful, and 
scream with fear if one is pushed near them. They 
regarded me as a sorcerer when I handled these crea- 
