has of changing its colour, and assuming hues so different from each other, has been made the means of conveying to the young a very useful lesson, upon the modesty with which they should offer their own opinions, and listen to those of others. This lesson is contained in a poem which we subjoin both for the amusement and instruction of the young reader:

OFT has it been my lot to mark,
A proud, conceited, talking spark,
With eyes that hardly serv'd at most
To guard their master 'gainst a post:
Yet round the world the blade has been,
To see whatever could be seen.
Returning from his finish'd tour,
Grown ten times perter than before;
Whatever word you chance to drop,
The travell'd fool your mouth will stop:
“Sir, if my judgment you'll allow-
"I've seen-and sure I ought to know."
So begs you'd pay a due submission,
And acquiesce in his decision.

Two travellers of such a cast,
As o'er Arabia's wilds they past,
And on their way in friendly chat,
Now talk'd of this, and then of that;
Discours'd awhile, 'mongst other matter,
Of the Chameleon's form and nature.

"Å stranger animal,” cries one,
"Sure never liv'd beneath the sun:
"A lizard's body, lean and long,
"A fish's head, and serpent's tongue,
Its foot with triple claw disjoin'd,
"And what a length of tail behind!
"How slow its pace! and then its hue→→→
"Whoever saw so fine a blue?

"Hold there," the other quick replies,
""Tis green, I saw it with these eyes,
"As late with open mouth it lay,
"And warm'd it in the sunny ray:
"Stretch'd at its ease, the beast I view'd,
"And saw it eat the air for food."

"I've seen it, Sir, as well as you "And must again affirm it blue; "At leisure I the beast survey'd "Extended in the cooling shade."

""Tis green, 'tis green, Sir, I assure ye." "Green!" cries the other, in a fury;

"Why, Sir, d'ye think I've lost my eyes?" ""Twere no great loss," the friend replies; "For if they always serve you thus, "You'll find them but of little use." So high at last the contest rose, From words they almost came to blows: When luckily came by a third; To him the question they referr'd : And begg'd he'd tell them, if he knew, Whether the thing was green or blue,

"Sirs," cries the umpire, 66

cease your pother, "The creature's neither one nor t'other. "I caught the animal last night, "And view'd it o'er by candle-light: "I mark'd it well-'twas black as jet"You stare-but, Sirs, I've got it yet, "And can produce it."-"Pray, Sir, do; "I'll lay my life the thing is blue.". "And I'll be sworn, than when you've seen "The reptile, you'll pronounce him green." "Well, then, at once to ease the doubt," Replies the man, "I'll turn him out: "And when before your eyes I've set him, "If you don't find him black-I'll eat him." He said; and full before their sight Produc'd the beast, and, lo!--'twas white! Both star'd, the man look'd wond'rous wise; "My children," the Chameleon cries, (Then first the creature found a tongue) "You all are right, and all are wrong; When next you talk of what you view, Think others see as well as you: "Nor wonder, you find that none " refers your eye-sight to his own."

THE FLYING DRAGON.

THE fables which were formerly spread abroad, and believed by the ignorant, concerning a fierce animal which had wings, and whose bite was mortal, most probably originated from the small, weak, and perfectly innocent creature we are about to describe.

The total length of this curious reptile is about a foot, the tail being extremely long in propor tion to the body: The head is of a very singular form, being furnished beneath with a triple pouch, one of which hangs under the throat, while the other two project, one on each side, they are all sharp pointed, as may be observed from the figure in the frontispiece: the body and limbs are slender, and covered with scales. The colour on the upper parts is an elegant pale blue, the back and tail being marked by several dark bars, while the wings are elegantly spotted with brown, black, and white patches.

These reptiles inhabit Asia, Africa, and America, where they are scen flying from tree to tree, and feeding on flies, ants, and other insects, They are said to make a noise with their wings, and they are able to support themselves in the air, during a flight of thirty paces.

Several impositions have been often attempted to be passed on the public, of different animals stuffed in a peculiar manner, so as to represent

what those who have only heard of the animal, might suppose to be a Dragon. The most remarkable instance of this kind of deception was practised in Holland, some years ago, where a Hamburgh merchant professed to have a real Dragon in his possession, which he valued at a thousand pounds. The dishonesty, however, was detected, and exposed as it deserved by the celebrated Linnæus, who declared it to be an ingenious combination of the skins of large snakes, the teeth of weasels, and the claws of birds of prey.

THIS elegant little creature, which is known in almost every part of the temperate regions of Europe, seems to be the most gentle and inof fensive, and, at the same time, the most useful of all the Lizard tribe. It is fond of basking in the sun; but, unable to bear excessive, heat, in the hottest weather it seeks for shelter. In spring, during fine weather, it may, sometimes be seep, luxuriously extended on a sloping green bank, or on a wall exposed to the sun. In these situations, it enjoys the full effects of the reviving warmth; expressing its delight by gently