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its beginning, at least so far as present evidence 

 goes. 



The Devonian (3) is characterized by the appear- 

 ance of the vertebrates in large numbers. It is fre- 

 quently called the age of fishes, from the abundance 

 of these animals. No higher vertebrates are known 

 to have been in existence. 



The Carboniferous (4) was an age characterized by 

 its abundant vegetation. It was during this age that 

 most of the coal beds were deposited. The most im- 

 portant additions to animal life were the Amphibia, 

 and probably the Reptilia. The Amphibia were large 

 animals, and were especially abundant. 



MESOZOIC. 



The Permian (5) was an age of which only slight 

 records are left. It was an age in which important 

 changes in the animal kingdom took place. The true 

 Reptilia became more abundant, and it is probable 

 that at this period the Mammalia first separated 

 from a reptilian stock. 



The Triassic (6) was especially characterized by the 

 development of numerous reptiles, some of great size. 



The Jurassic (7) again found the reptiles the 

 most prominent animals. New reptiles appeared, 

 many of them being of immense size. At this time 

 we find the first indication of the birds, suggested 

 by many bird-like reptiles. The first real feathered 

 animal also appeared, a bird with remarkable reptile- 

 like characters. In this age the reptiles reached their 

 highest development. 



The Cretaceous (8) was characterized by a slight 



