s of offence and defence, as it possesses
no teeth in its head.

It is of a slaty-grey colour, with yellow spots on the sides and back.
Occasionally the latter unite, so as to form a jagged line along the
back.

THE AXOLOTL.

Among the batrachians found in Mexico is the curious axolotl, which
frequents the great lake on which the chief city is built, as well as
numerous other lakes, some at a considerable elevation above the ocean.
It is between eight and ten inches long, of rather a dark greyish-brown
colour, thickly covered with black spots. Those who have seen a newt in
its larva state, may form a correct idea of the gills which project from
either side of the head.

Naturalists differ in opinion as to whether it is really an adult
batrachian, or merely the larva of some much larger creature. In many
localities it is very plentiful; and the flesh being eatable and of a
delicate character, the creature is sold in great numbers in the
markets.

Being furnished with both kinds of respiratory organs, it can breathe
equally well on land or in the water. It has a broad, flat head, blunt
nose, and eyes situated near the muzzle. Though living so much in the
water, its toes are not connected by intermediate membranes--indeed,
they appear only to be intended for service on shore--its tail, nearly
as long as its body, serving as a propeller in the water.

PART TWO, CHAPTER TWO.

CENTRAL AMERICA.

Leaving the continent of North America, which may be said to terminate
at the southern end of Mexico, we enter that extremely irregular portion
of land which, now widening, now narrowing again, stretches in a
south-easterly direction till it unites with the southern half of the
American continent at the Isthmus of Panama. We find in Central America
three marked centres of elevation. The first we reach is the great
plain, nearly 6000 feet above the level of the sea, on which the city of
Guatemala is situated. Numerous volcanic peaks rise from its midst;
from it also flow several large rivers, some falling into the Gulf of
Mexico, others eastward into the Gulf of Honduras, while smaller streams
send their waters westward into the Pacific Ocean. The banks of these
rivers are mostly covered with the richest tropical vegetation--the
scenery of the river Polochie in Guatemala being especially beautiful.
Another high plain occupies the centre of Honduras, and extends into the
northern part of Nicaragua. From it also ri