CHAPTER XY. 
‘ NEWTS. 
HE most apparent difference between Newts and Sala- 
manders is that the former possess a compressed or rudder- 
like tail, while that of the latter is sub-cylindrical. The 
males of many of the Newts, during the breeding season, are dis- 
tinguished by well-developed dorsal and caudal crests. 
Comparatively recently Newts have received the generic name 
of Molge, a Greek word meaning slow, The animals seem well 
deserving of this title, because they are slow both in their move- 
ments on land and in their development. 
Newts are hardy, intelligent (7.e., for Batrachians), easily fed, 
and interesting. They are therefore very suitable inmates of a 
Vivarium. They are natives of Europe, Asia, and North 
America. Three species of them are the only members of their 
family (Salamandride) which are found in Great Britain. These 
three species are the Great Crested Newt (Molge cristata), the 
Common or Smooth Newt (JM. vulgaris), and the Webbed or 
Palmate Newt (J. palmata). The genus Molge numbers alto- 
gether about nineteen species. 
During spring-time Newts may be found in almost any pond, 
pool, lake, or slowly-running river, and as they are obliged to 
come to the surface of the water periodically for air, a few 
minutes’ watching will generally be sufficient to discover whether 
