Page:Geology and Mineralogy considered with reference to Natural Theology, 1837, volume 1.djvu/177

 Rh unlike to anything that exists in the present world.—"Ce sont incontestablement de tous les êtres dont ce livre nous révèle l'ancienne existence, les plus extraordinaire, et ceux qui, si on les voyait vivans, paroîtroient les plus étrangers à toute la nature actuelle." (Cuv. Oss. Foss. Vol. V. Pt. 11, p. 319.)

We are already acquainted with eight species of this genus, varying from the size of a Snipe to that of a Cormorant.

In external form, these animals somewhat resemble our modern Bats and Vampires: most of them had the nose elongated, like the snout of a Crocodile, and armed with conical teeth. Their eyes were of enormous size, apparently enabling them to fly by night. From their wings projected fingers, terminated by long hooks, like the curved claw on the thumb of the Bat. These must have formed a powerful paw, wherewith the animal was enabled to creep or climb, or suspend itself from trees.

It is probable also that the Pterodactyles had the power of swimming, which is so common in reptiles, and which