AMPHIBIANS OR BATRACHIANS 301 



as many as four pairs of these fangs can be seen, each in a more 

 undeveloped state than the last 



Like almost all venomous snakes, the viper is a timid creature, 

 and will always attempt to make its escape if danger should 

 threaten it. If it be brought to bay, however, it becomes a very 

 formidable antagonist, for its stroke is made with such lightning- 

 like rapidity that it can with difficulty be avoided. 



The young of the viper are from ten to fifteen in number, 

 and look like worms with very large broad heads. For some little 

 time after they are born they travel about with their mother. It 

 has sometimes been said that, in times of danger, the little vipers 

 crawl into the mother's mouth, and take refuge within her body. 

 But whether this is really the case is a matter of considerable 

 doubt. 



AMPHIBIANS OR BATRACHIANS 



(Class Amphibia) 



A careful study of Frogs, Toads, Newts, and Salamanders has 

 shown us that we can no longer consider these creatures to be 

 " Reptiles ", although they are unquestionably related to them. 

 Neither can we as a whole describe them as " Batrachians ", as this 

 term can only correctly be applied to frogs and toads, and thus 

 the newts and salamanders would be incorrectly included. 



But inasmuch as the whole of the animals of this group are 

 amphibious their comprehension under the new class -name of 

 Amphibia is an excellent one. 



These amphibians are separated from the reptiles because of 

 certain characteristics in their life-history and in their structure, 

 some of which characteristics suggest a relationship to much lower 

 animal forms; for instance, the metamorphoses {i.e. changes of 

 form) through which many of them pass between the egg and the 

 adult stages. 



Before the adult stage is reached many show a distinct relation- 



