232 Observations on the Genus Salamandra. 



arches, but also to the nostrils ; for in the Siren, as well as in 

 these larvae, the nostrils do not communicate with the mouth" 



I present to the Society a specimen of the larva of the 

 Salamandra rubra, (Daud.) in which I have passed a slender 

 probe through the nose into the mouth by the posterior nares, 

 on one side, and have allowed the opposite side to remain un- 

 touched, in order that the committee who are to examine this 

 essay, may at once convince themselves of the accuracy of 

 this statement, which I hope they will look into with more than 

 usual scrutiny. It was indeed with some difficulty I found the 

 posterior nares in this larva, as they open in the form of a small 

 slit, which was closed by the lining membrane of the mouth ; 

 they are situate rather external to the posterior termination of 

 the interior row of teeth. 



I next proceeded to examine this structure in the Siren, two 

 specimens of which are in the Philadelphia Museum ; the 

 smaller of the two being very young, it was not easy to pass 

 a probe through the nostrils, though the posterior nares are 

 visible ; but in the other, which is about one foot in length, 

 I passed a probe of considerable size through the nostril, into 

 the mouth, down the throat, where I allowed it to remain, for 

 the convenience of those who may wish to examine the same. 



I experience the less hesitation in making these strictures, 

 and corrections, as the error is one into which I was myself 

 betrayed, in my description of the anatomy of the Triton late- 

 ralis. These openings in the Siren are situate on the outer 

 side of the teeth.* 



The Amphiuma, the Siren, the Proteus, and the Salamandra, 

 will be acknowledged by all to constitute separate genera. 



* la the Diet. d'Histoire Nat. Article Siren, by Professor Bosc, it is 

 stated that " the Siren is clothed with scales, and furnished with claws. " 

 It is only necessary to notice these errors, inasmuch as they may confuse 

 the student. 



