226 Observations on the Genus Salamandra. 



from any existing in our waters, as it differs in the number of 

 its vertebrae and ribs ; and notwithstanding it has not yet been 

 observed in a perfect state, or without branchiae, (both speci- 

 mens examined by Cuvier were young animals.*) Whereas, 

 the Salamandra Alleghaniensis has never been observed pos- 

 sessing gills, although examined when quite young ; they exist 

 in great numbers in the Alleghany river ; and I possess a 

 specimen, a few months old, in which there does not exist the 

 least remnant of branchiae, and as the Salamandrce are sup- 

 posed to carry their branchiae at least for the term of one year, 

 it is certainly fair to conclude that these appendages do not 

 constitute a part of the organization of this animal ; which 

 alone is sufficient to separate it from the genus Salamandra. 

 But a comparison of the anatomical structure of these ani- 

 mals, places the subject beyond a doubt ; and as no history of 

 the internal fabric of the Salamandra Alleghaniensis has ever 

 appeared, the following detail cannot be devoid of interest. 



I received, through the politeness of Mr. Poe of Pittsburgh, 

 whose zeal has in more thau one instance advanced the cause 

 of science, two specimens of this animal : one very young, 

 the other of a middle size, which was brought alive as far as 

 Baltimore, when it was killed by placing it in slightly brack- 

 ish river water. They are sometimes observed to have at- 

 tained two feet in length. 



Total length of the present specimen, twelve inches. From 

 the vent to the end of the tail four inches ; vent, a small longi- 

 tudinal rima, rather depressed ; girth, four and a half inches ; 

 width of the head, one and a half inches. 



* In a late notice of the Axolotl, by Sir E. Home, it is stated that this 

 animal is proved to be a perfect animal, and no larva, as the organs of gene- 

 ration are developed. The same argument would prove the tadpoles to be 

 perfect animals, the organs of generation being equally developed in thrm 

 all — as was demonstrated by Cuvier, in the year 1800. (Vid. Obs. sur les 

 Tetards, in Humb. Voy.) 



