The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-08-01
miscellaneous.
Some Facts Concerning REPTILES


Of old, when the waters that covered
the earth had subsidized, there we're, ac-
cording to tradition and the limited dis
covcrles OF biologists, left stranded
amid the ooze and mud cerain monsters
or reptiles which were hideous and re.
pulsive IN form. These are said to have
been chelonianS or those belonging tc
the tortoise family; Saurians or lizards
and ophadtans or serpents. Reptiles do
not undergo any change of na,ure and
are always alr-breathers, although cold
blooded !; they have nei her mammal nor
breasts for sucking their young, nor yet
hair or feathers. BY the two former
pecuiarltles they are distinguished from
fishes and ba'rachians, and by the two
latter from mammals or those which do
not suckle their young, and from birds.
Reptiles breathe air by lungs, like birds
aud mammals, but the pulmonary circu-
lation is incomplete, only part Of the
blood being sent to the lnngs; while
from the ventricles Of the heart a mixed
arterial and veuous blood is sent to the
o her organs The number of species of
reptiles is sent down at 1000, or less
than that of mammals or birds most of
them arc terrestrial, but some, it is said,
can sustain themselves III the air
Some reptiles live haditually in the
wa or, swimming by means of fattcned
fins las the turtles) or BY a thin tail, as
in crocodlles others dwell in subterra,
mean burrows.
Every degree Of speed Is found among
reptiles, aud while some are fitted for
running over dry sand, others are better
adapted to climbing trees or ascending
smooth surfaces. The means of defense
with which nature has provided reptle les
are many. and, although their appear
ance is sufficient to terrify most animals,
yet they are furnished with other safe
guards, which render an attack upon
them, to say the least, unpleasant. The
crocodile aud turtle are sufficiently pro-
tee ed against ordinary assaults; the
agility of the lizard serves him we'll, for
be dar,s into his hole at the expense,
possibly, of his tail, which is soon repro
duced. The great boas can prevail over
every foe but man, and the poisonous
tangs of other serpents and the bris Ting
spincs of the horned lizard are amply
sufficient to guard them from the attacks
of predaceous and other i'll disposed
members of the animal kingdom Rep
tiles are very useful 10 man in various
ways some fulfil the law Of their being
| by ca ching insects, while still others
serve as food, or supply material useful
in the arts. The muscles Of reptiles
are red, though paler than in mammals
and birds they preserve their irritable
ity for long time after death. Tortoi-
ses have been known to live eighteen
days at er their brains have been remov-
ed. Life seems in a marked degree
independent of the brain, as they vcsi-
tate ra her ihan live and being COM
paratively insensibe to pain, they grow
slowly, live long, and are very tenacious
of life. The sense of touch is dnil,
whether exercised by the skin, toes, lips,
lounge or tail ; tas e must also be dull,
as the food of reptiles is swallowed
without mastication. Reptiles eat and
drink comparatively little, and are able
to go long time without food ; most of
them are oviparous, their eggs being
hatchcd by the heat Of the sun. The
young VIXEN born are able to provide for
themselves, and are generally Indifferent
to the mother, who has nei her the joys
nor the sorrows Of maternity.
Scientific .Amerlcan.