class-book of zoology. 89 



Sources of Reference for the Natural History of 

 Birds. 



Pennant's British Zoology 1786 



Wilson's American Ornithology 1808 



T. F. Blumenbach's Handbuch der Naturgeschichte 1825 



Audubon's Birds of America 1832 



L. Oken's Naturgeschichte tiir alle Stiinde 1832 



Cuvier Regne Animal. 1817 



James E. De Kay's Zoology of New York 1842 



SECTION XX. 



III. ERPETOLOGY. 



§ 363. Erpetology is the science which treats of Rep- 

 tiles. 



§ 364. Reptiles are oviparous, breath through lungs, 

 and have red cold blood. 



\ 365. Reptiles are divided into four Orders, viz : 



1. Snakes : (Ophidia.) 



2. Lizards : (Sauria.) 



3. Tortoises: (Chelonia.) 



4. Frogs : (Batrachia.) 



§ 366. Reptiles are found in the water, salt or fresh, 

 and on land. Of those living on land, some choose 9 

 its marshes and swamps, while others prefer dry and 

 elevated places and the branches of trees. Nearly all of 

 them swim with the greatest facility. On account of 

 this ability to live in water and on land, they are called 

 Amphibia. 



\ 367. Reptiles are found in all parts of the world, but 

 their number is more considerable in warm and tropical 

 countries, than in the northern, where, in the winter 

 season, they become torpid. 



\ 368. The most remarkable facts in connection with 

 Reptiles, are their power of reproduction, their tenacity 

 of life, and their abstinence from food. 

 8* 



