FRESH- WATEK ANIMALS. 299 



takes place, transforming the animal from a fisli to a reptile 

 in habits and shape. At one time the animal is endowed 

 with organs titted exclusively for breathing water, like the 

 gills of fishes, with limbs suited for swimming; at another 

 time it is provided with air-breathing lungs and fitted for 

 land movements either by leaping or running. 



Ilahits of the Common IFater Nevji. 



The female of Triton cristatus is observed, at breeding 

 time, to wander about in search of a suitable leaf of some 

 aquatic plant. AVhen she has found one which is likely to 

 answer her purpose, she takes her position on one side, 

 holding on to the edge with her fore feet, while with the 

 hind feet she draws the other edge over by means of her 

 hind feet, so as to fold it, and then depositiiig a single egg 

 within the fold, glues it by the mucus surrounding the 

 embryo, so as effectually to secure it from injury. 



During the months of May or June many of the leaves 

 of aquatic plants will be found thus neatly folded and glued 

 together in the ponds and ditches ; but in order to observe 

 the process, the female should be taken and placed in a 

 tank at the proper season, with suitable plants for the pur- 

 pose, so that the egg may be deposited under the eye. 



