30 : REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
which would otherwise attack it. It has been proved by experiment 
that this liquid, when introduced into the. circulatory system by a 
small wound is a very active poison, and causes certain death to the 
smaller animals. This species is found in most parts of Europe, but 
not in the British Islands. 
The Black Salamander (Z77ton alpestris) has no spots’; it is found 
on the loftier European mountains, but principally on the highest Alps. 
Newts, or Aquatic Salamanders, have not a round conical tail 
like the terrestrial species, but have that appendage compressed or 
Fig. 9.—Land Salamander. 
flattened’ laterally. The males (during the breeding season only) are 
recognised chiefly by the membranous serrated ridge or crest which 
extends along the whole length of the back, from the head to the 
extremity of the tail, as represented in Fig. ro, Newts are found 
in ditches, marshes, and ponds, which after the breeding season 
they leave for any moist places they can find on land, often then 
finding their way into drains and cellars. They are carnivorous, 
feeding upon different insects and on the spawn of frogs, not even 
sparing individuals of their own species. The females deposit their 
eggs singly, fixing them on the under surface of the leaves of 
aquatic plants. ‘‘Some Newts,” says Professor Owen, “ deposit their 
eggs upon aquatic plants, such as Polygonum persicaria, folding the 
