British Reptiles and Amphibians 



egg-deposits may be observed in early April in the 

 more southern counties, it is often a month later when 

 they occupy a place in northern waters. The eggs are 

 spherical in form, with a whitish yolk, placed in what 

 may be described as a " capsule." This capsule is again 

 surrounded by a gluey substance, which Nature evi- 

 dently intends as an adhesive, so that the little mass 

 may cling to any obstacle it may happen to strike. 



Like a germinating pea, these eggs swell and 

 ultimately rupture their sheaths, and the tiny atoms 

 float free. Thus the Tadpoles first appear, pale green in 

 colour, with minute dark stripes over their bodies. Over 

 the tail may be observed faint white markings that look 

 rather pronounced as compared with the general colour- 

 ing. At this stage the Tadpole owns external gills, 

 and from its upper jaw protrudes a feeler or clinger, 

 that enables the creature to fix upon any water-weed 

 for support during these infantile days. 



During this time the animal draws its food from the 

 water. As becomes its own size and weight, the 

 particles that go to the formation of its menu are 

 minute in the keenest sense of the term. All the 

 same, it is truly wonderful how these small Tadpoles 

 develop. First of all the forelegs appear, and these 

 tiny appendages are utilized for some little time. 

 After the creature has floated about the pond for ten or 

 twelve weeks, it gains a hinder pair of legs, and then 

 takes definite shape as a true Newt. Once these fore 

 and hind legs are in operation the gills atrophy, and the 



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