r 



THE NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



CLASS III. REPTILES. 



VKRTEBRATED ANIMALS, RESPIRING BY LUNGS, WITH RED AND COLD BLOOD. HEART TRILOCULAR, 

 OR COMPOSED OF TWO AURICLES AND A SINGLE VENTRICLE. EXTREMITIES VARYING IN 

 NUMBER, OR ENTIRELY WANTING. BODY COVERED WITH HORNY OR CARTILAGINOUS PLATES, 

 OR WITH HARD SCALES. REPRODUCTION BY A PREVIOUSLY FECUNDATED EGG, WHICH IS 

 HATCHED AFTER LEAVING THE BODY, OR IN ITS PASSAGE FROM THE PARENT. UNDERGO NO 

 STRUCTURAL METAMORPHOSIS IN THE COURSE OF THEIR GROWTH. TERRESTRIAL OR AQUATIC. 

 HIBERNATE IN TEMPERATE REGIONS. CARNIVOROUS FOR THE MOST PART. NUMEROUS IN 

 THE TORRID ZONE. SOME ARE POISONOUS. 



Obs. We have deviated from the arrangement of Cuvier, who united together in one class 

 animals which he had himself demonstrated to be very different in their organization. In 

 separating his order Batrachia from the Reptiles, we follow the path which he has indicated, 

 and shall point out briefly the most important characteristics which distinguish these two allied 

 classes. Tn adopting this course, we are supported by the authority of eminent herpetologists. 



ORDER I. TESTUDINATA. 



TTiis is at once recognized by the bony or cartilaginous covering above and beneath ; leaving 

 the head, neck, limbs and tail free. Feet four. Jaws toothless. The vertebra of the 

 neck and tail only, visible. 



Obs. This order, which may be described as having its skeleton external, is very natural 

 and precise. It has, however, obscure affinities through Chelonura with the following order. 

 Fauna — Part 3. 1 



