138 SALAMANDRADA. 
This species is much more durably aquatic in its habits 
than the common smaller one, Lissotriton punctatus. It 
occasionally, indeed, leaves the water, and I have found it 
hibernating under stones; but I believe this is not usual ; 
it commonly remains torpid at the bottom of ponds and 
ditches, until the warmth of spring recalls it into activity. 
During this season of retirement the male loses his fine dor- 
sal crest, and the web of the tail also becomes considerably 
diminished ; but even before the return of the warm season 
this characteristic sexual ornament becomes developed, to 
be again lost in the following winter. It does not fall off; 
but, like the tail of the Tadpole, is gradually absorbed. 
The Newts ordinarily shed their skin in the same way 
as other aquatic amphibia; it comes off in shreds, and 
is washed away as it becomes loose, but in Lissotriton it 
has been observed on some occasions to come away entire. 
The head of this species is flattened ; the muzzle obtuse 
and rounded; the gape nearly straight, and extending a 
little beyond the eyes; teeth numerous, minute; the upper 
lip slightly pendulous, covering the margin of the under 
jaw when the mouth is closed, but not forming a distinct 
lobe. The trunk is continuous with the head, the neck 
being only distinguished by a small fold of integument be- 
neath. The body is thick, but not ventricose ; round, cor- 
rugated, and covered with small warts or tubercles. There 
are no parotids; but there are two patches of simple pores 
on each side of the head, and a line of similar pores run- 
ning along each side, and somewhat distant from each 
other. 
The tail is about two-fifths of the entire length, consider- 
ably compressed, the upper and under margins sharply and 
abruptly carinated. The anterior feet, when brought for- 
wards, extend a little beyond the snout, each having four 
