BASILISK (Basitisemur, Daudin), a genus of Saurian Reptiles, belonging to the Iguanian Family. It is to be observed that the Ba-silisk of modern Erpetology is a very different animal from the Basilisk (flaelxieces) or Royal Serpent of antiquity, the Taepha or Taiphoai of the I lebrews, which is translated Cockatrice in our English version of the Scriptures, and which was formerly the subject of so many fabulous narration& COCKATRICE.] The Basilisks are distingumehed from other genera of the Iguanian Reptiles by the absence of the lax and dilatable skin under the throat, by the want of thigh pores, and still more particularly by the elevated crest or fin which, like the dorsals of some fishes, runs along the whole length of the back and tail, and is supported by the spinous processes of the dorsal and caudal vertebra). To the occiput is attached a membranous bag, which the Basilisk has the power of distending with air, or emptying, as its occasions require, and which appearn to supply in this genus the absence of the dilatable skin on the throat, with which nature has furnished the guanas, either as a reservoir to contain a quantity of fresh air to supply their necessities while diving, or by enlarging their magnitude without adding to their weight, to assist them in the actions of swimming and in keeping the head above water, or perhaps for both these purposes. In the parti cular case of the Basilisks, their aquatic habits are still more power fully increased by the vertical fin of the back, which, like that on the tail, is capable of being erected or depressed at the will of the animal, and consequently, whilst it does not impede its motions on the dry land, greatly facilitates its power of swimming and moving about in the water. In short, these animals may be said to carry about with them a portable swimming apparatus, which is of the utmost service to them as aquatic animals, without encumbering them at other times,—a beautiful provision of nature to supply the deficiency of palmated or webbed feet, which, as in the case of all other palmated animals, would have reduced the progression of the Basilisks on land to a slow and awkward gait, and rendered it altogether impossible for them to ascend trees or move securely among their branches. Yet their whole organic structure, the length of their
limbs, and the division and flexibility of their toes, all announce the rapidity of movement and arboreal habits of these animals, in which are united, by the most simple means, functions and habits the most directly opposed to one another. The genus Ophryesse of authors exhibits much of the same structure, though perhaps not quite so strongly developed, nor is it easy to conceive any just grounds for separating these animals from the Basilisk& Two species only are usually referred to this genus.
1. .11. mitrat us (Daudin), the Hooded Basilisk, measures 7 or 8 inches from the nose to the origin of the tail, which is itself nearly twico as 2. Il. Andapinensis (Daudin), the Created Baailiek, a largo specie& upwards of 3 feet in length, is of a green colour, marked with white lines on the head and neck, brown on the back and tail, and silvery white on the belly, irregularly dotted with numerous white points. This species, as its scientific name imports, is an inhabitant of Amboyna and the Islands of the Indian Archipelago generally. It keeps in the vicinity of rivers and freshwater ponds, where it loves to bask on the branches of the trees which overhang the stream. On the first appearance of danger it drops into the water, and conceals itself beneath some rock or atone, whence it may be taken with the naked hand, or with a noose, for it is a stupid and timid animaL It is caught for the sake of its flesh, which is white and as tender as chicken ; in taste it is said to resemble venison. The female deposits her eggs in the sand, and leaves them to be hatched by the sun, paying no attention afterwards to her young progeny.