134 SALAMANDRAD^E. 



most easily observed. The period when the deposit of the 

 eggs commences depends upon the season; but the time 

 when the greater number are produced, is during the 

 months of May and June ; and it is worthy of notice, that 

 the diiferent species of Newt are found depositing their 

 eggs during a much longer period of the summer than the 

 ecaudate Amphibia, such as the Frog and Toad. At the 

 time I have mentioned, if the leaves of various species of 

 aquatic plants be observed, many of them will be found 

 folded together, and within the fold a single egg of the 

 Newt will be discovered. It is, however, necessary for 

 accurate observation from the commencement, that the 

 female Newt be taken and placed in a vessel of water with 

 the plants in question, that she may deposit the egg under 

 the eye of the observer. The best plant for the purpose is 

 the Polygonum persicaria, which is ordinarily chosen by 

 the animal in its natural habitat. A large glass globe is 

 a good vessel for the purpose of observation ; but if it 

 be wished to employ a larger one, I may be allowed to 

 recommend the largest sized foot-bath made of white ware. 

 This vessel I have often used for keeping many aquatic 

 animals ; and if a layer of Roman cement be placed at 

 the bottom, and a few pebbles, or a stone of sufficient 

 size be fixed by the cement at one end, the objection to 

 the slipperiness of the vessel will be obviated, and the 

 animal will also have the opportunity of coming above the 

 surface at pleasure. 



The egg, when first deposited (fig. 1 of the woodcut), is 

 very lightly tinged with buff; it is surrounded by a glairy 

 envelope, to which it is not attached, but rotates unre- 

 strainedly within it. The first obvious change which takes 

 place is the elongation of the white embryo, which in a few 

 days exhibits somewhat of a division into a cephalic, an 



