360 THE VIVARIUM. 
“ Nutrisco et extinguo”’ (I nourish, and I extinguish). The 
idea of this creature’s influence over flames may have risen from 
the seemingly remarkable chilliness of its body when taken in the 
hands. The derivation of the very old word Salamandra (Greek) 
is uncertain. For many centuries the animal was considered to 
be a lizard. And even now, if one looks out the above word in 
his Greek Lexicon he will find “a kind of lizard, supposed to put 
out fire.”’ 
The Spotted Salamander has most attractive and popular 
colouring, being of a bright rich yellow, and a perfectly jet-black. © 
Its association with history, its hardiness, gentleness, and readi 
Fig. 87.—THE SPOTTED SALAMANDER (Salamandra maculosa). 
ness to breed while in captivity, altogether make it an interest- 
ing animal, and very suitable for confinement in a Vivarium. 
The Batrachian is ovo-viviparous; that is, as the egg is 
deposited by the female, its envelope breaks and the young 
tadpole becomes free. The tadpole has no little resemblance to 
that of the Common Triton and other members of the same family. 
When Spotted Salamanders seem about to produce young, they 
should have easy access to some shallow soft water. If the young 
of this species are brought forth on land, they are suie to die; 
at least, such has been my own experience. 
