130 SALAMANDRTD^E. 



M. Bibron's opinion was founded, as well as one of the true 

 marmoratus, which he has kindly sent me from Paris. I 

 have also examined several in the British Museum, where they 

 were confounded with the Tr. cristatus. Upon a careful 

 comparison of the whole, I am induced to consider that the 

 new English species is distinct from Tr. marmoratus^ and 

 that it is not only new to the British Fauna, but a hi- 

 therto undescribed species. I have, therefore, ventured 

 to assign to it a specific name, and I have chosen that at 

 the head of this article, as a proper compliment to the 

 first of existing Erpetologists, and one of the most amiable 

 of men. 



The principal distinctions between the species are the 

 following : — In Triton Bihronii the skin is remarkably 

 ruQfous, and the tubercles are more numerous and more 

 elevated than in Tr. cristatus. The tubercle at the base 

 of the inner toe on each foot is much smaller, and in 

 some cases scarcely perceptible. The most tangible pecu- 

 liarity, however, is in the form of the upper lip, which 

 in the present species is perfectly straight, whereas in Tr. 

 cristatus it considerably overhangs the margin of the lower 

 jaw. By this character the two species may be at once 

 distinguished. With regard to coloration and markings, 

 there is but little difference ; I have thought, however, that 

 the present species is somewhat darker, and the spots on the 

 sides less distinct. 



The structural characters which distinguish Tr. Bibronii 

 from Tr. marmoratus., are also comparative and slight. In 

 the latter, the rugosity of the skin is less considerable, and 

 the upper lip, instead of being absolutely straight as in our 

 species, has a slight enlargement towards the junction of the 

 lips. . But the markings and coloration are widely different ; 

 the upper parts being beautifully marbled with grey, with a 



