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If, in the same way, the convergence of the varied forms of reptiles is measured against the time during which their remains are preserved which is represented by the whole of the tertiary and mesozoic formations the amount of that convergence is far smaller than that of the lines of mammals between the present time and the beginning of the tertiary epoch.
Other things, too, there were, not less deadly though seemingly innocuous dried fungi, traps intended for birds, beasts, fishes, reptiles, and insects; machines which could produce pain of any kind and degree, and the only mercy of which was the power of producing speedy death.
The Monotremata are eminently interesting, as leading in several important points of structure towards the class of reptiles. In attempting to trace the genealogy of the Mammalia, and therefore of man, lower down in the series, we become involved in greater and greater obscurity; but as a most capable judge, Mr.
Scientists are divided in theories as to whether the Monotremes are actually descended directly from the Reptiles or Birds, or whether there was a common ancestor from which Reptiles and Birds and Mammals branched off. But this is not important, for the relationship between Reptiles, Birds and Mammals is clearly proven.
We gave a united yell of terror and fled as the black and yellow banded reptiles none of which were over eighteen inches in length nor thicker than a man's little finger wriggled between our feet into the long grass around us. For some minutes we were too frightened at our escape to speak; but soon set to work to complete the raft.
There, too, under the banner of the Bearnese, that other historian of those sanguinary times, who had fought on almost every battle-field where tyranny and liberty had sought to smite each other dead, on French or Flemish soil, and who had prepared his famous political and military discourses in a foul dungeon swarming with toads and rats and other villainous reptiles to which the worse than infernal tyranny of Philip II. had consigned him for seven years long as a prisoner of war the brave and good La Noue, with the iron arm, hero of a hundred combats, was fighting his last fight.
But if you pass him without being afraid and without hurrying, with a slow gliding step, taking care not to move your hands or arms, it will let you go on your way and take no notice of you. And this I can affirm from experiments I have myself made upon the terrible sendok. One day I was able, in this way, to pass quite close, almost touching one of these most venomous reptiles.
When the heart has four complete chambers, the carbonised blood from the tissues of the body can be conveyed direct to the lungs for purification, and the aerated blood taken direct to the tissues, without any mingling of the two. In the reptiles a partition begins to form in the lower chamber.
I thought of how long it had stood there just so, under the intermittent flashing of moon and sun and star, since first its flinty peak had pricked through the hot spume of prehistoric seas. Fantastic reptiles, winged and finned and fanged, had basked upon it grotesque, tentative vehicles of the Flame of Life!
Betty pointed to where, pursuing their sinuous way in the shallow water over the bar, were a number of reptiles. "Moccasins," whispered Mollie. "We we can't go that way either," and she glanced back toward the sleeping alligators. Both ways of escape were blocked. Grace burst out crying.
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