REPTILES. 



are they deftitute of their peculiar graces : the fine 

 difpofition of plates in the Ihell of the Tortoife, 

 with the elegant fymmetry of their colors, mnft 

 llrike even common obfervers, while the eye of 

 the defpifed Toad has a luftre denied to more 

 pleafing forms. The frolicfome agility of Lizards 

 enlivens the dried banks in hot climates -, and the 

 o;reat affedlion which Ibme of them fhew to man- 

 kind, fhould farther engage our regard and 

 attention. 



The wreathing of the fnake, with the vivid die 

 of its fl^in, are certainly graceful, tho' from the 

 dread of fome particular fpecies which are venem- 

 ous, we have acquired an antipathy for the whole. 

 The antients, v/ho confidered the Serpent as an 

 emblem of health, could aflbciate pleafing ideas 

 with this animal. We therefore find it an orna- 

 ment at every entertainment, and in every fcene of 

 mirth, both in painting and in fculpture. Virgil 

 adopted this notion, and has accordingly defcribed 

 it with every beauty both of form and color, 



Adytis cum luhricus anguis ah imis 

 Sept em ingens gyros^ feptena volumina traxit \ 

 Amplexus placide tumidum^ lapfufque per aras : 

 Ccerul^a cut terga not^^ maculofus et auro 

 Squamam incendebat fulgor ; ceu nubibus arcus 

 Milk trahit varios adverfo fole color es. 



V. 84. 



B 3 From 



