2660 



NEWTS, SALAMANDERS, AND COLCILIANS 



that eggs are laid by the female, from which the young almost immediately make 

 their escape. The number of tadpoles produced at a birth is very large, as many 

 as fifty eggs being frequently found within the body of the female; while an in- 

 stance is on record where upward of forty-eight young were born within four-aud- 

 twenty hours. More generally, however, from eight to sixteen, and less commonly 

 from twenty-four to thirty tadpoles make their appearance into the world during a 

 period of from two to five days. Generally all these are in an equally advanced state 

 of development; but sometimes in captivity both eggs and tadpoles are produced 

 simultaneously, the former being translucent and showing the young tadpoles curled 

 up within them. The tadpoles, which are generally produced in clear, running 

 water, are blackish gray in color, with a more or less well-marked greenish tinge; 

 but there are small golden spots on the back, which gradually increase in size with 



ALPINE SALAMANDER. 

 (Natural size.) 



advancing age. The skin also gradually becomes less shining and smooth, while 

 at the same time the gills shrink, till about August or September the young sala- 

 manders quit the water for a terrestrial life. A few may, however, remain till as 

 late as October. It is remarkable that the young salamander is rather inferior in 

 size to the tadpole in the latest stage of development; and it is not yet known for 

 how long a period it continues to grow after leaving the water. In aquaria 

 salamanders develop more quickly, and have been known to leave the water 

 within three weeks. The . winter sleep generally takes place in moss-lined 

 crannies, well protected from the frost, and may endure till the commencement of 

 April. 



