THE SIREN. 



179 



It is also called Big Water Lizard by the inhabitants along the Ohio and other interior 

 portions. This as well as the other members of the group is harmless, though seemingly 

 ferocious and venomous. Specimens were kept in the New York Aquarium, and much 

 additional knowledge was thereby gained of its habits. 



The second family of this order is represented by its typical species, the Congo Snake. 



This curious creature is a native of America, and is found rather plentifully near New 

 Orleans, in Florida. Georgia, and South Carolina. It is fond of burrowing in mud, and will 

 often descend to a depth of three feet below the surface of the soil, acting indeed more like an 

 earth-worm than a vertebrate animal. Many of these creatures have been accidentally dug out 

 while deepening or clearing ditches. The negroes are much afraid of the Congo Snake, and 

 think it to be poisonous, a belief which has its only foundation in fear, generated by 

 ignorance. 



The legs are extremely small and feeble, and there are only two toes on each foot. Its 

 color is dark blackish -gray above, and lighter beneath. Another species, the Three-toed 



JIENOPOME.-.P/ofono/teis homdu. 



Congo Snake (Murcenopsis trid&ctylus), is much like the common Congo Snake, from which 

 it may be distinguished by possessing three toes on each foot instead of two. The length of 

 both these creatures is from two to three feet. These two species constitute the whole of the 

 family to which thev belong. 



The Tailed Batkaohians (Proteidce) are now regarded as differing sufficiently from near 

 forms to belong to a distinct order. The family Proteidce — Mud Puppies — embraces one 

 genus and one species. 



The Wecturus is called in tin- Middle States Mud Puppy. Water Dog, Menobeanchus, 

 and Dog-fish. It is common north and west of the Alleghanies. and is abundant in the Great 

 Lake region. 



The great Siren (Siren lacertina) is a species consisting of the entire family Siren idee. 

 This creature has a most remarkably lonu'. eel dike form. 



