Class III. REPTILES. 



have been ample room for panegyric, for it is 

 very doubtful whether any are pernicious ; the 

 uses of many, either as food or for mechanical 

 purposes, were never questioned. 



But if the external figure of the reptile tribe 

 is disgusting, they have one general beauty, an 

 apt configuration of parts for their way of life, 

 nor are they destitute of their peculiar graces : 

 the fine disposition of plates in the shell of the 

 Tortoise, with the elegant symmetry of the 

 colors, must strike even common observers, 

 while the eye of the despised Toad has a lustre 

 denied to more pleasing forms. The frolicsome 

 agility of Lizards enlivens the dried banks in 

 hot climates; and the great affection, which 

 some of them shew to mankind, should farther 

 engage our regard and attention. The wreath- 

 ing of the snake, with the vivid dye of its skin, 

 is certainly graceful, though, from the dread of 

 some particular species which are venemous, we 

 have acquired an antipathy for the whole. The 

 antients, who considered the Serpent as an em- 

 blem of health, could associate pleasing ideas 

 with this animal. We therefore find it an orna- 

 ment at every entertainment, and in every scene 

 of mirth, both in painting and in sculpture. 

 Virgil adopted this notion, and has accordingly 



