British Amphibians : Newts 



creature climbs out into the open country a full-fledged 

 Newt. From the date when the egg with its life- 

 germ is deposited, some six months elapse before the 

 mature animal actually takes to land. 



Once on terra firma the Newt alters its condition or 

 life. For three years afterwards it ignores the water. 

 At this time the male gains a curved crest, and then 

 returns to its original element ready for its nuptial 

 duties. Thereafter the creature spends something like 

 a quarter of the year about its favourite waterway. 

 Once the breeding season is over the male loses its 

 serrated crest and not a little of its abnormal colouring 

 (see p. 51). During this time the female has deposited 

 her eggs amongst the weeds of the brook or pond, 

 and from these another generation comes into being 

 before the summer wanes. 



The tail of the Newt — quite irrespective of its species 

 — seems to not only be the rudder, but the propeller, 

 while the animal is actively swimming. When it is 

 immersed in its element the legs are kept close to the 

 body, and the tail movements evidently force the body 

 through the water. 



Newts shed their skin periodically, and this takes 

 place during the time they are on land. Before this 

 change of skin is effected the general colouring becomes 

 duller, and the more distinctive tints perceptibly fade. 

 This " sloughing," as it is termed, is, indeed, more pro- 

 nounced in these amphibians than in the case of the 

 reptiles. Newts are intensely active creatures, and they 



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