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CHAPTER VL 



vertebrata, 

 ?» 1. Vertebrated Animals in general 



§ 



If it be pleasing to trace the footsteps of nature in con- 

 structions so infinitely varied as those of the lower animals, 

 and to follow the gradations of ascent from the zoophyte to 

 the winged insect, which exhibits the greatest perfection com- 

 patible with the restricted dimensions of that class of beings, 

 still more interesting must be the study of those more ela- 

 borate eflbrts of creative power, which are displayed, on a 

 wider field, in the higher orders of the animal kingdom. In 

 the various tribes of beings which are now to come before 

 us, we find nature proceeding to display more refined deve- 

 lopments in her system of organization, resorting to new 

 models of structure on a scale of greater magnitude than be- 

 fore, devisino; new plans of economy, calculated for more ex- 

 tended periods of duration, and adopting new arrangements 

 of organs, fitted for the exercise of a higher order of facul- 

 ties. The result of these more elaborate constructions is 

 seen in the vast series of Vertebrated Animals, wdiich com- 

 prises a well-marked division of Zoology, comprehending 

 all the larger species that exist on the globe, in whatever 

 climate or element they may be found: and including man 

 himself, placed, as he unquestionably is, at the summit of 

 the scale; — the undisputed Lord of the Creation. 



A remarkable affinity of structure prevails throughout the 

 whole of this extensive assemblage of beings. Whatever 

 may be tlie size or external form of these animals, whatever 

 the activity or sluggishness of their movements, whether 

 they be inhabitants of the land, the waters, or the air, a 

 striking similitude may be traced, both in the disposition of 

 their vital organs, and in the construction of the solid frame- 



