344 RAMBLES ABOUT HOME. 



under wet moss and leaves, and likewise under the plat- 

 form of the pump. In a very few days the eggs are 

 hatched, and, unlike the young " duskies," the external 

 gills commence to dwindle as soon as they are fairly in 

 working order, and in three or four days not a vestige of 

 them is seen. 



The fourth common species, met with almost daily 

 throughout the summer, is the beautiful pink, rosy, or 

 red salamander. These are of all shades of red, and even 

 when very old are purple. I have sometimes thought 

 they had better be called the " inquisitive triton." When- 

 ever the hydraulic ram, that formerly was our sole de- 

 pendence for water, ceased to furnish us with the desired 

 supply, I found a red salamander under the plunger. 

 During the earlier years of my acquaintance with the 

 pretty triton I never ceased to admire it ; but of late my 

 tastes have changed. Even in midwinter, and after sun- 

 down, by the light of a smoky lantern I have too often 

 had to visit the troubled water-ram, and found my former 

 friend, the red salamander, under the plunger. One win- 

 ter, and that a hard one, satisfied me that these tritons 

 are essentially inquisitive. There were individuals of 

 other species roaming around at the time, and scores of 

 more sensible ones, that took a long winter's nap, but 

 never one of them disturbed the ram except these over- 

 grown red fellows. 



I think it can scarcely be doubted that all of our sala- 

 manders have voices. I have already mentioned the 

 " peep " of the newt, or spotted triton. This large red 

 salamander also has a clear, bell-like note, which, though 

 frequently heard, is not usually recognized. It is a true 

 hylodes note, and is often attributed to the little Savan- 

 nah cricket, or "peeper," already described. They call, 



