VERTEBRATED ANIMALS. 323 



which exhibits the greatest perfection compatible 

 with the restricted dimensions of that class of 

 beings, still more interesting must be the study 

 of those more elaborate efforts 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 

 developements in her system of organization ; re- 

 sorting to new models of structure, on a scale of 

 greater magnitude than before; devising new plans 

 of economy, calculated for more extended periods 

 of duration ; and adopting new arrangements of 

 organs, fitted for the exercise of a higher order of 

 faculties. The result of these more elaborate con- 

 structions is seen in the vast series of Vertehrated 

 Animals, which comprises 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 the size or external 

 form of these animals, whatever the activity or 

 sluggishness of their movements, whether inha- 

 bitants 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 framework, or skeleton, which sustains and 

 protects their fabric. The Quadruped, the Bird, 

 the Tortoise, the Serpent, and the Fish, however 



