218 THE AMERICAN MONTHLY [Au 



bers. Among the animal forms already reported as com- 

 mon to the lake, the writer has confirmed the presence of 

 four : — (1) Artemia fertilis, Verril ; (2) the larvae of one 

 of the Tipulidae, probably Chironomus oceanicus, Packard; 



(3) a species of Corixa, probably Corixa decolor, Uhler ; 



(4) larvae and pupae of a fly, Ephydra gracilis, Packard. 

 The larvae of the Ephydra are found in abundance 



amongst the algae that strew the shores or appear as sur- 

 face patches in the shallow parts; while the mature in- 

 sects, as small black flies, swarm along the shores where 

 conditions have proved favorable for their development. 

 The larvaaof the tipula may be taken anywhere near shore 

 during the warm months ; and the pupa cases of both 

 Rpecies are often washed ashore in great numbers, where 

 they undergo decomposition with disagreeable emanations. 

 Of the animals, the Artemia fertilis (or Artemia gra- 

 cilis) commonly known as the brine shrimp, exists in 

 greatest numbers. They are tiny crustaceans, seldom ex- 

 ceeding one-third inch extreme length. They may be found 

 in the lake at all seasons, though they are most numerous 

 between May and October. I have taken them in the 

 midst of winter, when the temperature of the water was 

 far below freezing point; it will be remembered that the 

 concentrated brine of the lake never freezes. The females 

 greatly preponderate : in fact, during the colder months 

 it is almost impossible to find a male. In the latter part 

 of the summer the females are laden with eggs, from four 

 to sixteen having been repeatedly counted in the egg 

 pouch. The males are readily recognized by the very large 

 claspers upon the head. The shrimps are found near shore 

 during calm weather, but rain or wind drives them into 

 the lake. At times they congregate in such numbers as to 

 tint the water over wide areas. 



They are capable of adapting themselves to great var- 

 iation in the composition of the water, as must necessa- 

 rily be the case with any tenant of the Salt Lake. I have 



