146 



SALAMAXDRADiE. 



membranous crest and enlargement of the caudal web, 

 which had distinguished them during the spring. The 

 colours also of both sexes become more dull, and the male 

 especially loses in a measure the bright and pleasing tints 



which characterize him during that season. The red tips 

 to the crenations of the crest and tail are of course no 

 longer seen as these parts become absorbed ; but the colour 

 of the body is also more obscure, and the spots less dis- 

 tinct ; the belly, which has been of a bright orange passing 

 into red, is now paler and less vivid. 



It is probable that the period at which the young lose 

 their branchiee varies in some degree according to circum- 

 stances connected with temperature, food, and other causes; 

 as they are sometimes taken with the branchiae still re- 

 maining on them, when conspicuously larger than other 



