CLASS BATRACHIA. 



10 



FIG. 182. 



four short limbs. The gills may be present through life, 



in the lower forms, 



though in the higher, 



they are generally re- 



sorbed, their function 



being performed by the 



lungs. 



The Proteus (pro'te- 

 us) of German caves 

 has persistent gills, ex- 

 tremely Small feet, and Pro' Km anguVnm. 



the eyes, which are of little use in a subterranean life, 



rudimentary. The long 

 eel-like body enables it 

 to swim rather than 

 crawl. 



The Menobranchus 

 (menobrang'kus) of our 

 western lakes and rivers 

 is closely allied. This 

 animal, unlike the Pro- 

 teus, is highly colored, 



FIG. 183. 



Nectu'rus maculd'tus. Meuobrauchus. 



FIG. 184. 



sees clearly, and has its feet comparatively well de- 

 veloped. 



The Siren (si' ran), or 

 Mud-eel, of the more 

 southern states, lacks the 

 hind pair of limbs. It is 

 of a deep blue color, and 

 reaches a length of two 

 feet. Its range is very 

 extensive in the valley 



Of the Mississippi. ai'ren lacertVna. Mud eel. 



