Dissection of two doubtful reptiles. 263 



and whether it is carried by a distinct pulmonary artery, and 

 returned by one or more separate pulmonary veins, proves 

 nothing. That the pulmonic circulation is independent in 

 the superior animals, I acknowledge ; but among the inferior 

 orders of creation, the two systems become more or less blend- 

 ed, and it is quite impossible to say, to what extent this com- 

 bination is carried. 



With regard to the lungs, as I suppose them to be, that they 

 do communicate with the external air is certain ; that they 

 do contain that fluid is also certain ; our inability, therefore, 

 to explain how this is brought about, does not appear to be so 

 important. 



But this last point is, in fact, the true one, and the evidence 

 in its favour seems to me to be conclusive. Our learned and 

 indefatigable President, as I before stated, having seen the 

 Proteus running from the shore, where they had been lying, 

 into the water, informs me, that the inhabitants of the lakes 

 uniformly aver, that these animals are in the habit of leaving 

 the water, and of remaining upon the dry land for an indefi- 

 nite length of time, until they are disturbed and alarmed, 

 when they immediately hurry into the water. On the whole 

 then, I conceive, that the opinion above stated by me is 

 correct ; " that here is a race of animals really amphibious, 

 and consequently, capable of living either in the air or water." 



