4 AMPHIBIOUS ANIMALS. 



In cold and temperate climates, nearly all the Am- 

 phibia pass the winter in a torpid state. During 

 this season they are often found perfectly stiff, in 

 holes under ice, or in water. They continue thus 

 till revived by the returning warmth of spring. 

 They then become reanimated, change their skin, 

 and appear abroad in a new coat. Many of them 

 cast their skins frequently in the year : those Rep- 

 tiles, however, that have an osseous covering, as the 

 Tortoises, never change it. 



The Amphibia, though they are sometimes found 

 in great numbers together, cannot be said to con- 

 gregate, since they do nothing in common, and in 

 fact do not live in a state of society. — The flesh and 

 eggs of some of the species form a palatable and 

 nutritious food. 



The Amphibia are divided by Linnaeus into two 

 orders : viz. Reptiles and Serpents. — The Reptiles 

 are furnished with legs. They have flat naked ears 

 without auricles. The principal tribes are the tor- 

 toises, lizards, and frogs. — Serpents are destitute of 

 feet, but move by the assistance of scales, and their 

 general powers of contortion. Their jaws are di- 

 latable, and not articulated. They have neither 

 fins nor ears. 



