Page:Hunting and trapping stories; a book for boys (IA huntingtrappings00pric).pdf/192

 The chameleon is a curious little creature which is found in many parts of the world and among them the Island of Cuba. Its bite is not dangerous, although it can give quite a nip when careless children put their fingers too close. In appearance it looks something like a lizard, except that its legs are longer and its head and eyes somewhat differently formed. It is anywhere from half a foot to a foot long, and is wonderfully quick and active.

A friend of the writer while travelling in Cuba caught a chameleon. He had heard all his life of its wonderful habit of changing its skin into different colors so that it matched anything it was placed near, and he was anxious to see for himself if it was true. When this gentleman first saw his chameleon it was about fifteen feet from the ground and was sunning itself on some green leaves and its color was then brilliant green. He knocked it down with a stick and before it could get away pushed it into his pocket. When he got home he placed it on an ordinary wooden table and in half an hour its color had so changed that it matched the table perfectly. Later on the chameleon was placed near articles of a blue and red nature with the result that its skin also changed its hue. Truly the chameleon is a mysterious marvel of nature.

The chief business in life of the chameleon seems to be catching flies, therefore in tropical countries it is a most useful little creature. The specimen spoken of never seemed to tire of the sport and kept the area immediately surrounding its place quite clear of all winged pests. It is said however that the chameleon can live for months without food. It was the intended to bring this little curiosity to the United States but a cuban boy killed it one day before he saw that it was tied to the leg of the table and bearing other evidences of being a family pet. This is generally the fate of all pets when ignorant flock are around.