24?2 ORDER III. MEANTES ORDER IV. NANTES. 



to have two heads. The thickness of its tail probably 

 gave rise to this error; but on a minute inspection, it 

 is found not to deviate from the usual course of nature 

 in this respect. 



Some have affirmed that its bite is dangerous ; but this 

 is evidently a mistake; as it is destitute of fangs, and 

 consequently wants the means of preparing venom. Lin- 

 naeus notices two species of amphisbaena, by the names 

 of the fuliginous and the white, both of which are natives 

 of America, 



ORDER III MEANTES. 



THE distinguishing character of this singular order is, 

 that the animals have both gills and lungs. There is only 

 pne species known. 



THE SIREN. 



This animal was discovered by Dr. Garden in Carolina ; 

 and Linnaeus considered it so extraordinary that he esta- 

 blished a new order for its reception. The body is biped, 

 naked, and furnished with a tail ; and the feet are brarv- 

 chiated with claws. It is found in swampy and muddy 

 situations, under the trunks of old trees ; and measures 

 from thirty to forty inches in length. 



ORDER IV, NANTES. 



THESE creatures breathe indifferently through their 

 hings and gills, and their fins are composed of car- 

 tilaginous rays. 



