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288 be fixed to the branchial arches, but they did not project beyond the external orifice. These observations were made on a specimen four inches and a half in length, (without dissection, however,) while an adult specimen more than a foot long, exhibited no trace of the apertures.

We may add that these Reptiles resemble the Eels among Fishes in the form and structure of the skeleton, the articulation of the jaws, the mode of implantation of the teeth, and some other particulars; but the junction of the head with the spine by two condyles, the presence of lungs, and the nostrils opening distinctly within the cavity of the mouth, remove them from the Class of Fishes.

The tongue is large, thick, covered with papillæ, fixed by its edges on the gums in the hollow of the lower jaw; not protractile, nor forked, nor sheathed at the base. The eyes are excessively minute, nearly hidden by the skin, sometimes not distinguishable: and the orbits are pierced with only a small hole in the skull. The latter presents one continuous vaulted piece, forming a bony buckler.

Of the habits of these curious animals, exceedingly little is known. Cuvier states that their intestines have been found charged with Vegetable matter, together with soil, and sand; but the character of their teeth as well as