74 VERTEBRATA. REPTILIA. 



Siren.* 



This is perhaps the most singular of all these sin- 

 gular forms. For the hind-feet are now totally 

 wanting, and the form is that of a large Eel, with three 

 gill-tufts on each side, and perfect lungs within, so 

 that these two animals are in the true sense Amphi- 

 bia, respiring in either medium. The Lizard Siren 

 (S. Lacertina) is three feet long, blackish and slimy ; 

 found in the marshes of the Southern United States. 

 It feeds on insects, worms, &c. 



A fabled monster of antiq 



