478 SAUKIANS. 



to the Mammalia, both in the variety and rapidity of their differ- 

 ent movements, especially if we compare their progression with 

 that of Tortoises. There are, indeed, among the Saurians, spe- 

 cies which enjoy many modes of progression ; for they can creep, 

 walk, run, climb, swim, dive, and even fly. Nevertheless, the 

 elongated and heavy trunk of these Reptiles is not supported by 

 the limbs without effort ; they walk in general, with constraint 

 and slowly, forthe arms and thighs are short, slender, but slightly 

 muscular, and directed outwardly ; while the elbows and knees 

 are too angular to support with ease the superincumbent weight. 

 Still, however, notwithstanding this conformation, so faulty in ap- 

 pearance, (though not in reality,) they are capable of executing 

 a great variety of movements, all bearing on progression." 



The form of the tail, the length of the body, the structure 

 of the toes, and the shape of the claws determine the character 

 of the movements, and correspond with the general habits of the 

 animal. 



The hotter climates of the globe are the great nurseries of the 

 Saurians. Persons who live in northern latitudes are ordinarily 

 not likely to form any adequate idea of the variety of these crea- 

 tures, which tenant their favorite abodes. 



" In the intertropical latitudes, they obtrude themselves upon 

 notice ; they are in the common pathway, and even haunt the 

 abodes of men ; they swarm among the trees; they lie motion- 

 less upon the surface of the water, enjoying the hot rays of the 

 sun ; they cover banks and walls or crumbling ruins, and min- 

 gle their sparkling hues with those of the blooming vegetation 

 amidst which they nestle." 



Like the snake tribe, the Saurians moult their skin during the 

 spring or summer, appearing afterwards in bright colors. 



None of the Saurians are poisonous; none have poison fangs, 

 though the ancients regarded many as venomous in the extreme. 

 Of these an imaginary animal termed the Basilisk, (Basilicus,) 

 was especially celebrated ; a name which modern naturalists 

 apply to a genus peculiar to South America. 



Though the Lizard race do not possess the medical properties 

 which have been ascribed to them, many of them, as the Igua- 

 nas, hold a high rank as articles of luxury for the table; and 

 the flesh and eggs of the Teguixin or Monitor, a large species 

 found in Brazil and other parts of South America, are esteemed 

 for food. 



The Saurians are divided into the following families, viz. : 

 (1) Crocodilida, Crocodiles; (2) ChamaeleonidcB, Chameleons; 



