126 



SALAMANDRID.F,. 



objects in nature, as well as one of the most interesting. 

 Observed even with the naked eye, the leaf-like division of 

 these organs present a most pleasing subject of contempla- 

 tion ; but viewed in the microscope, the branchial circulation 

 excites the greatest delight and surprise. The blood, which 

 has now become red, ascends by the branchial arteries, and 

 returns by the veins after having undergone the necessary 

 change of decarbonization ; and the globules of the blood are 

 seen accelerated by momentary jerks through the vessels. 

 The traHsparent tail affords a beautiful example of the st/s- 

 temic circulation, as the former organs do of the respira- 

 tory ; and in both instances the transparency of the parts is 

 such as to present no obstacle to the view. The eyes have 

 now acquired their permanent character; the mouth has 

 become terminal, and the anterior feet have acquired dis- 

 tinct digitations. In consonance with this latter change, the 

 holders, which had been the only previous means of station, 

 being now unnecessary, have become almost entirely absorb- 

 ed. At figure 8, the further developement of the anterior 

 feet, Avhich have acquired four toes, and the rudimentary 

 existence of the posterior pair, have considerably approxi- 

 mated the little animal to its permanent condition ; but the 

 branchiae have acquired a still more extensive developement, 

 and the leaflets of which they are composed are much more 

 distinct. In figure 9, which is of the natural size, we see the 

 animal much changed. The body is now bulky, the colours 

 are nearly those of the perfect condition, and the transpa- 

 rency of the body, which has previously been such as to 

 afford the most agreeable opportunity to examine the in- 

 ternal structure, and to watch the functions which were going 

 on, has given place to the opacity of the adult animal. The 

 branchiae, however, still remain, and have assumed a firmer 

 consistence, a more opaque appearance, and a deeper colour. 

 From this period the branchise become gradually absorbed, 



