368 THE VIVARIUM. 
any particular portion of water is inhabited by them or not, 
and when seen ascending to breathe, they can be caught by 
means of a hand-net, which, generally, may easily be placed 
under them as they begin to descend. When a worm is used 
as ameans of capture it should, tied to a string, be allowed to 
sink to the bottom of the water, and a movement of the string 
from below will show that a Newt has commenced to attack the 
worm. Then, before the Batrachian has had time to disgorge 
what it has swallowed, it may be quickly and gently landed on 
the bank. 
Though Newts are usually caught in water, it will almost 
invariably be found that they make every attempt to leave that 
in which they are placed during their captivity. It is not kind, 
therefore, to keep them constantly in water. If put into an 
aquarium, they should always be provided with something like 
an island upon which they can land. Most of the Newts, as a 
rule, only enter the water during the breeding-season. 
A Vivarium made like that represented by Fig. 13 is a very 
suitable dwelling-place for Newts, for, when confined in it, their 
graceful movements in the water may easily be seen, and also 
their curious and interesting methods of depositing their eggs. 
At the same time they are at liberty to leave the water and seek 
retirement on land whenever they feel inclined to do so. They 
cannot, though wonderful climbers, escape from this kind of 
Vivarium, which, if properly made and tended, is ornamental. 
As the Newts come to the surface for fresh air, they frequently 
make a distinct “‘ popping” sound. Sometimes they will float by 
extending their limbs at right angles to their bodies. They 
occasionally maintain such a position for hours. 
Whatever their movements may be described as being on land, 
they are not slow nor ungraceful in the water. They swim quickly 
by the help of their powerful and compressed tail, carrying their 
limbs pressed closely backwards to the sides of their body. The 
manner of progression of a Newt in the water is therefore exactly 
the reverse of that of a Frog. 
The breeding season of Newts generally extends from the end 
of April to the end of June. The eggs of these Batrachians are 
deposited singly and apparently with great care. The female 
