12 HAV. [Vol. IV. 



of from 1.5 mm. to one-half that size. The capsules are almost en- 

 tirely filled up by the young amphiumes ; but in their fresh state 

 they probably contained also some water. The young are coiled 

 within the eggs in various positions, so as to form about three 

 turns of a spiral. On being taken from the eggs and extended, 

 they are about 45 mm. in length (Fig. 2). So far as I have 

 been able to discover, they are all at the same stage of develop- 

 ment. The color above is dusky, with a slightly darker dorsal 

 streak and a similar lateral band. Below, the color is pale. In 

 the alcoholic specimens the belly appears yellow on account of 

 the great amount of yolk that is contained within it. 



In form and proportions the young amphiume is stouter than 

 the adult, and the head is broader and more depressed, and the 

 snout more rounded. The head, therefore, resembles more 

 nearly that of the typical Urodeles than does that of the adult. 

 The eyes also are more conspicuous than are those of the more 

 mature animals, and would doubtless, for some time after hatch- 

 ing, be of more service. The fore and the hinder limbs are 

 present, but are diminutive in size. On the anterior limb, 

 three toes are indicated ; the hinder limbs give little evidence 

 of separation into digits. The tail differs from that of the 

 adult, inasmuch as it has on both its upper and lower edges a 

 distinct membraneous fin. 



The larvae possess conspicuous gills ; and since they are 

 evidently near the period of hatching, it becomes quite probable 

 that these gills will be retained for some time after the young 

 have betaken themselves to the water, their native element. 

 The gills consist of three pairs, and are of the simply pinnate 

 form. The second gill is the longest, measuring about 9 mm. 

 in length, and gives off from the main stem ten delicate twigs. 

 Only once have I observed any of these lateral filaments to 

 divide. The first and third gills are somewhat shorter, and 

 have about eight lateral branches each. In all the main stems 

 and the lateral twigs may be seen arteries and veins filled with 

 the coagulated blood. Three gill-slits are still open, the first 

 and second of which become closed in the adult. 



We cannot but be struck by the close resemblance that exists 

 between the breeding habits of the AmpJiumia and those of 

 Epicriiim gliitinosuvi of Ceylon, as these are presented to us 

 by Messrs. P. B. and C. F. Sarasin in the " Arbeiteii aiis dem 



