REPTILES. 



are they deftitute of their peculiar graces : the fine 

 difpofition of plates in the fhell of the Tortoife, 

 with the elegant fymmetry of their colors, muft 

 ftrike even common obfervers, while the eye of 

 the defpifed Toad has a luftre denied to more 

 pleafing forms. The frolicfome agility of Lizards 

 enlivens the dried banks in hot climates ; and the 

 great affection which ibme of them ihew to man- 

 kind, mould farther engage our regard and 

 attention. 



The wreathing of the fnake, with the vivid die 

 of its fkin, are certainly graceful, tho' from the 

 dread of fome particular fpecies which are venem- 

 ous, we have acquired an antipathy for the whole. 

 The antients, who confidered the Serpent as an 

 emblem of health, could afibciate pleafing ideas 

 with this animal. We therefore find it an orna- 

 ment at every entertainment, and in every fcene of 

 mirth, both in painting and in fculpture. Virgil 

 adopted this notion, and has accordingly defcribed 

 it with every beauty both of form and color, 



Adytis cum lubricus anguis ab mis 

 Sept em ingens gyros, feptena volumina traxit -> 

 Amplexus placide tumulum, lapfufque per aras : 

 Ccerultea cm terga nota^ maculofus et auro 

 Squamam incendebat fulgor -, ceu nubibus arms 

 Milk trahit varios adverfo file color es. 



V. 84. 



B 3 From 



