POISONOUS ANIMALS. 115 



or shields; and others, that have naked bodies, are 

 covered with thick and glutinous slime. Many 

 of them change their skins from time to time. 

 Some are remarkable for the sudden alterations of 

 colour they undergo. Several kinds of lizard have 

 this peculiarity, more especially the chameleon. 

 Many of the serpents have their bodies beautifully 

 marked with the most lively and brilliant colours, 

 and when slowly waving along the ground, pro- 

 duce very striking effects on the eye. Several 

 lizards are also equally beautiful in colour. 



It is in the class of reptiles that some poisonous 

 animals are found. The viper, the rattle-snake, 

 the hooded-snake, the asp, the whip-snake, and 

 others, inflict deadly injuries by their bites, as they 

 convey into the wounds made by their teeth a 

 poison fatal to life. The poison-fang of snakes is 

 one of the most singular contrivances in the whole 

 animal world ; and it is fortunate that these crea- 

 tures are in general inoffensive and timid, and sel- 

 dom use their deadly weapon against man, unless 

 made angry or injured. 



Questions. 



What creatures form the third <;lass in the animal king- 

 dom? 



Enumerate some of the reptiles. 



"What difference is there in the feel of reptiles and mam- 

 malia'? 



How does this arise ? and what name is given to reptiles in 

 consequence ? 



