_82 REPORT OF NEW JERSEY. STATE MUSEUM. 
of similar size. No spots on head above, a few on throat, breast 
and belly. Iris slaty. Length 2°/,, inches. Described from an 
example obtained at Swartzwood Lake, in Warren County, dur- 
ing October of 1895, by Samuel N. Rhoads. 
Also a number of smaller ones with the same data. I have 
examined Green’s examples of the miniatus stage, and they may 
have been taken within our limits. This is our most abundant 
aquatic salamander in the upland ponds, lakes and other still 
waters. In some places they occur in great numbers all about 
the shallows. Again, I have found them equally abundant in 
deep places. They will also frequent the vicinity of any small 
carcass, such as suitable places where fishermen may throw 
over the viscera, heads, fins, etc., of their catch. They do not 
seem well adapted, usually, as a bait for pike, according to some 
fishermen. Sometimes examples may be seen with a limb, 
or portion of the tail, etc., injured, probably due to the rapacity 
Newt. Diemtctylus viridescens (Rafinesque). (Aquatic form.) 
of some fish. When one is fishing these animals will sometimes 
nibble the worms or batt, and while not taking it, will hold fast 
till lifted ashore. In some places they are so numerous as to pre- 
vent one taking minnows for bait. By the ignorant they are 
sometimes regarded as poisonous, and, therefore, not molested. 
With a small dip-net several may be taken in a single scoop. 
Occasionally they float lazily up to the surface of the water, 
but usually may be seen wending their bodies slowly along, either 
in Open spaces or among grass. Again, they will remain exposed, 
their bodies contrasting for a long time with their surroundings. 
Sometimes they will dart suddenly, rapidly undulating the broad 
tail, though at any time never difficult to capture, especially as they 
are not shy. They usually make no effort to secrete themselves 
when first pursued, though when frequently disturbed will hide 
