SUPPLEMENT ON THE BATRACHIA. 



The fourth order of the class reptilia has received its 

 denomination from the Greek word B(i,T^(x,xpc, which signifies 

 a frog. To call the animals which compose it frogs would 

 be by no means justifiable, but they all possess a sufficient 

 analogy to the genus rana, to warrant the kindred epithet of 

 hatracians. 



In this order are ranged all reptiles with naked bodies, 

 without carapace or scales; the head without any distinct 

 neck, or division ; the toes always distinct, without claws. 

 Finally, all which in general have no real copulation, and 

 most usually undergo metamorphoses. 



The batracians proceed from eggs which have a mem- 

 branous envelope, and which must remain in the water 

 before the young can be excluded. The animal which pro- 

 ceeds from this egg has the form and structure of a fish. 

 It has no feet, and its body is terminated by a very long and 

 compressed tail formed like a fin ; it is then named a tadpole. 

 On this subject it is indispensable that we should enlarge a 

 little on the observations of the text. 



