tf2 LECTURE VJL 



spots ; the under parts bright orange with larger 

 and more irregular black spots. The male of this 

 species is distinguished by a rising crest along the 

 back, and by its broad finny tail, ending in a 

 sharpened point. It is one of the most conve- 

 nient subjects for exhibiting a general view of the 

 circulation of the blood by the microscope. 



Having thus given a general survey of the 

 Lizards, I shall mention an animal of a somewhat 

 dubious cast, and which has for many years been 

 known to naturalists under the name of the Siren. 

 It was first discovered by the late ingenious Dr, 

 Garden, of Charlestown in South Carolina, who 

 not being able to refer it to any known animal, 

 sent a specimen to Linnaeus for his opinion. Lin- 

 paeus was so struck by the singularity of its ap- 

 pearance and its characters, that he instituted for 

 H a new order of the amphibia under the title of 

 Meantes. The Siren of Carolina has the general 

 appearance of an Eel, as to size, but has on each 

 side the neck a pair of ramified breathing-organs 

 or branchiae, resembling those of water lizards in 

 their imperfect state : it has also two feet only, 

 which are furnished with small claws. Some have 

 been inclined to suppose this animal no other 



