P.UF0. 



217 



being greatest in specimens from Northern and 

 Central Europe. 



E. Olivier has recorded the very extraordinary case 

 of an adult specimen in which the notochordal larval tail 

 had not only been retained, but had continued to grow 

 in proportion with the animal. The specimen, which 

 measures 63 mm. from snout to vent, with a tail- 

 length of 54 mm., is figured in the Revue Scientifique 

 du Bourbonnais, vi, 1893, pi. ii. It was obtained 

 near Jaligny, in the Department Allier. 



Fatio records a female specimen from Sicily 

 measuring- 153 mm. from snout to vent. The 

 largest male from the same island, examined by 

 Camerano, measures 95 mm. According to Mina- 

 Palumbo, the species grows to 180 mm. 



Geographical Variations. — The differences between 

 European and Japanese specimens are considerable, 

 and have induced some authors to regard the two 

 as distinct species. These differences, which reside 

 chiefly in the greater size and perfect distinctness of 

 the tympanum, the black lateral stripe, and the deep 

 black spots or marblings of the lower parts in the 



