42 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COTTESWOLD CLUB 



different animals. They arc greatest in those which 

 possess the highest measure of muscular vigour and 

 activity, and which therefore consume the largest quantity 

 of oxygen l)y respiration, and they are much more 

 abundant in mammals than m reptiles or fishes. This 

 fact throws a side-light at all events on my subject. 

 Physiologists tell us that one function of the red particles 

 is to convey oxygen from the lungs to the tis.sues and 

 organs through which the hlood circulates. When the 

 muscular system is in active o])cration it requires a larger 

 supply of oxygen : when it is at rest it wants hut little ; 

 so that when roused into activity it requires an increased 

 supply. 



The quantity of oxygen which the animal tak(^s in hv 

 its breathing aj)])aratus, and the quantity of carbonic acid 

 which it gives off, will therefore vary with the amount of 

 its muscular exertion. It is in consequence evident tiiat 

 an animal in a state of repose requires a much less 

 amount of oxygen than when in a state of vigorous 

 activity of existence. 



Animals in a state of lethargy, by consequence, do not 

 require the same amount of oxygen as is necessary for au 

 active habit of life. 



Atmos))heric air is necessary to the continued life of all 

 animals, and the result of its inspiration is the giving out of 

 carbonic acid gas. But the amount of atmosj)heric air 

 al)solutely necessary for the continuance of vitality is a 

 question which perhaps no one can decide. Certain 

 functions as I shall mention l)ye-and-bye are performed, 

 l)Ut with some diminution or decrction. Life may be 

 apparently in abeyance for a considerable time without 

 vitality being absolutely destroyed. The common garden 

 snail, not to mention other instances, may be kept for a 

 very long time without water. I kept one quite by 

 accident more than two years, and it revived when placed 

 in a moist atmosphere. Snakes and frogs have lieen 



