CLASS OF EEPTILES. 



355 



existed a flying reptile still more singular than the dragon. 

 It has been called the pterodactyle ; it was a saurian, made 

 somewhat like a bat; it could walk or fly, but the little 

 finger of the hand was thrice as long as the trunk, and 

 no doubt supported folds of integuments resembling wings 

 (Pig. 356). 



Fig. 354. Plesiosaurus j a fossil animal. 



460. Beptiles are less quick in their movements than 

 birds or mammals, nor can they sustain their movements so 

 well, probably owing to a less energetic respiration. The 

 muscles receive less blood, and are paler; but they may be ex- 

 cited long after death by a variety of stimulants. The tail of 

 a lizard detached from the body, has been seen to move for 



Fig. 355. The Dragon. 



several hours ; and the turtle, dead in appearance for several 

 days, may still be made to move its limbs. The mutual de- 

 pendence between the nervous and muscular systems seems 

 not to be so intimate as in mammals. 



461. The brain is small, smooth, and without circum- 

 volutions (Fig. 357). The hemispheres are hollow, and there 

 A A 2 



