ustry until the building is restored to its pristine state.

Besides these species, there are also the _marching termites_, of an
encreased size, who make excursions in large bodies, and spread devastation
in their way; but as my means of observation upon them was only accidental,
it will be intruding an imperfect description to notice them at all; but if
we form a conclusion from the immense number of _termites_ which everywhere
abound in Africa, we shall be tempted to believe that their procreation is
endless and unceasing.

When the papers came to hand which contained the substance of these remarks
upon this extraordinary insect, I did not intend to annex them to the
Observations on the Windward Coast of Africa, nor am I without some doubt
as to the propriety of so doing; the observation of the learned
_naturalist_ only can ascertain the economy of the _termite_, or _bug a
bug_, and I have therefore to apologize for obtruding these imperfect and
general remarks.

SECTION III.

_Of the Cameleon_.

The cameleon is a native of the torrid zone, and is a genus of the lizard:
the faculty of assuming the colour of every object it approaches is
ascribed to it, and other singular properties; but there are many rare
phoenomena not so well understood, such as its absorption and expulsion of
air at pleasure, its property of living a considerable time without any
kind of nourishment, and its extraordinary visual advantages, which are
perhaps not to be found in any other of the wonderful works of the
creation.

I have made various experiments to ascertain these extraordinary properties
in this little animal; and I brought home one in a preserved state.

The first object which struck my attention, was the variation of colour;
and I am persuaded that it does not assume these from the surrounding
objects, but that they proceed from internal sensations of pain, or
otherwise.

From the moment that the liberty of my captive was infringed upon, or when
interrupted in its pursuits, it became less sensible of external objects,
the vivacity of its colour, and the plumpness of its form underwent a
visible change. Its natural colour is a beautiful green; and when in a
state of liberty it is to be found in the grass, or lodged on the branches
of some tree, ornamented with the gayest foilage; and it would appear that
its liberty, and the privilege of living in the grass, are indispensible
towards the preservation of its qualities. The