146 ZOOLOGY. 



5. Sirin. Body naked ; ject either two or four ; tail long. 



These are A.nimals of most singular structure ; being fur- 

 ni^^hed with exterior gills like fishes ; but footed^ and in 

 habits corresponding with reptiles ; they are amphibious. 



ORDER II. 



Serpentes.— SEi^PEA'TS. 



The numerous individuals comprising this extensive tribe of 

 Animals, are generally of a forbidding or terrific aspect, and 

 have their residences in damp unwholesome places. Their 

 bodies are long and tapering; their jaws capable of great dis- 

 tention, and their motions, either a sudden bound, or an irre- 

 gular undulating writhing of their bodies. Many of them are 

 armed with a deadly poison, by means of which they secure 

 such Animals for food, as would either overcome them, or 

 escape from the quickness of their motions; but to guard 

 Man and other anim.als from their fangs, Providence has 

 awarded to most of the poisonous kinds, either such violent 

 contrasts in their colours, or formed their scales hv a manner, 

 that they make a rustling sound on the slightest motion • 

 a few kinds possess horny appendages to their tails, usually 

 term>ed rattles ; by which all animals are put on the alert, 

 as the sound is heard at a considerable distance ; most 

 poisonous Snakes have the fangs with which they inflict 

 their wounds, large and protuberant ; and the scales on 

 the upper parts of their bodies keeled or marinated. 



The food of all the species is animal ; some of the larger 



