AMPHIBIA. 



237 



stant residence in the water, and with a digestive 

 apparatus, fitted exclusively for the assimilation 

 of vegetable food, assuming by degrees the func- 

 tion of atmospheric respiration, acquiring limbs 

 which are formed for leaping on land with great 

 strength and agility, and manifesting the most 

 voracious carnivorous appetite, will not only 

 excite feelings of the deepest admiration, but 

 necessarily lead to the investigation of the laws 

 by which such extraordinary changes are go- 

 verned, and of the relations which they bear to 

 the theory of continuous affinity before alluded 

 to, and to that of progressive development through 

 the whole of the animal kingdom. That such 

 phenomena are exhibited by the typical forms of 

 this Class, will be sufficiently established by the 

 slight sketch of their structure, habits, and de- 

 velopment, which will presently be offered." * 



The Amphibia are arranged by the eminent 

 zoologist just quoted in five Orders, distin- 

 guished by the general form, the presence and 

 number of the limbs, and the character of the 

 respiration. They are named Anoura^ Vrodela, 

 Amphtpneusta, Ahranchia, and Apoda. 



* « R 



British Reptiles," 72. 



