148 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



MUD PUPPY, NECTURUS MACVLATUS. 

 A permanently aquatic species. 



ably been living. Though plump, and apparently well nourished, 

 it had met with a peculiar accident. Its four diminutive limbs 

 were missing, possibly worn off in a strenuous endeavor to burrow 

 into stony soil. 



That specimen was gradually introduced to an aquatic life, and 

 finally placed in a large aquarium with several others of its kind. 

 There it began to feed voraciously, and within four months' time 

 had replaced the two pairs of limbs. The members of the second 

 set were fully as long and perfect as the original appendages. 



While greedy and carnivorous, these Congo " Snakes " seldom 

 attack each other. They consume fair-sized frogs and fishes 

 entire. The swallowing process is largely performed by suction. 

 As the animal approaches the prey and opens its jaws to seize it 

 the ill-fated creature appears to dart, of its own accord, into the 

 batrachian's mouth. In six years the Congo " Snakes " have in- 

 creased to about twice their length upon arrival at the Park. 

 They are now of an unusual size for this species. 



The Siren is another snake-like batrachian that has been in- 

 duced to abandon its burrowing habits and live in an aquarium. 

 Three 14-inch specimens, dug out of a swamp in Florida, were 

 received at the Reptile House some months ago. They were read- 

 ily introduced to deep water. Here, within a period of three weeks. 



