THE CRESTED NEWT. 173 



plants, for the purpose of imitating as nearly as possible the natural condition of the water 

 from which the creatures had been taken. Here they lived for some time, and here the eggs 

 were hatched and the young developed. 



It was a very curious sight to watch the clever manner in which the female Newts secured 

 their eggs ; for which purpose they used chiefly to employ the vallisneria, its long slender 

 blades being exactly the leaves best suited for that purpose. They deposited an egg on one of 

 the leaves, and then, by dexterous management of the feet, twisted the leaf round the egg, so 

 as to conceal it, and contrived to fasten it so firmly that the twist always retained its form. 

 The apparent shape of the egg is oval, and semi-transparent ; but on looking more closely, it 

 is seen to be nearly spherical, of a very pale yellow- brown, and inclosed within an oval 

 envelope of gelatinous substance. 



When the young Newt is hatched, it much resembles the common tadpole, but is of a 

 lighter color, and its gills are more developed. It rapidly increases in size, until it has 

 attained a length of nearly two inches, the fore-legs being then tolerably strong, and the 

 hinder pair very small and weak. The gills are at this time most beautiful objects ; and if 

 the young creature be properly arranged under the microscope, the circulation of the blood, 

 as seen through their transparent walls, is one of the most exquisite sights that the micro- 

 scope can afford. 



The legs now attain greater strength, the gills become gradually more opaque and slowly 

 lessen in size, being at last entirely absorbed into the body. In exact proportion to the dimi- 

 nution of the gills, the lungs increase in size ; and the animal undergoes exactly the same 

 metamorphosis as has already been related of the frog, being changed, in point of fact, from a 

 fish into a batrachian. The tail, however remains, and is made the principal, if, indeed, not 

 the only means by which the Newt propels itself through the water. 



When it has passed through its changes, the Newt is no longer able to lead a sub-aquatic 

 life, but is forced to breathe atmospheric air. For this purpose it rises to the surface at 

 tolerably regular intervals, puts its snout jast out of the water, and, with a peculiar little 

 popping sound, ejects the used air from its lungs and takes in a fresh supply. 



Towards the breeding-season, the male changes sensibly in appearance ; his colors are 

 brighter, and his movements more brisk. The beautiful waving crest now begins to show 

 itself, and grows with great rapidity, until it assumes an appearance not unlike that of a very 

 thin cock's comb, extending from the head to the insertion of the hinder limbs, and being 

 deeply toothed at the edge. The tail is also furnished with a crest, but with smooth edges. 

 When the animal leaves the water, this crest is hardly visible, because it is so delicate that it 

 folds upon the body and is confounded with the skin ; but when supported by the water, it 

 waves with every movement of its owner, and has a most graceful aspect. 



After the breeding-season, the crest diminishes as rapidly as it arose, and in a short time 

 is almost wholly absorbed. Some remnants of it, however, always remain, so that the male 

 may be known, even in the winter, by the line of irregular excrescences along the back. The 

 use of this crest is not known, but it evidently bears a close analogy to the gorgeous nuptial 

 plumage of many birds, which at other times are dressed in quite sober garments. 



The Newt feeds upon small worms, insects, and similar creatures, and may be captured 

 by the simple process of tying a worm on a thread by the middle, so as to allow both ends to 

 hang down, and then angling as if for fish. The Newt is a ravenous creature, and when it 

 catches a worm, closes its mouth so firmly that it may be neatly landed before it looses its 

 hold. Some writers recommend a hook ; but I can assert, from much practical experience, 

 that the hook is quite needless, and that the Newt may be captured by the simple worm and 

 thread, not even a rod being required. 



It is curious to see the Newt eat a worm. It seizes it by the middle with a sudden snap, 

 as if the jaws were moved by springs, and remains quiet for a few seconds, when it makes 

 another snap, which causes the worm to pass farther into its mouth. Six or seven such bites 

 are usually required before the worm finally disappears. 



The skin or epidermis of the Newt is very delicate, and is frequently changed, coming off 

 in the water in flakes. I found that my own specimens always changed their skin as often as 



