378 THE MOUNTAIN. 



tral North American zoological region, would seem, not- 

 withstanding Dr. Binney's suggestion that it presents no 

 barrier to the spreading of species, (see one of the leading 

 extracts,) to exhibit some actual limits to the general diffu- 

 sion of some of the reptiles and fishes at least. 



MENOBRANCHUS Maculatus, (Harlan. ) The spotted water- 

 newt is a striking and interesting form of reptile. It has 

 a handsomely-mottled body, with pleasant colors, and breathes 

 by a group of fimbriated persistent branchise or spiracles, 

 which project from the sides of the neck like a blood-red 

 fringe. This lung of the animal is kept moving backward 

 and forward in the process of oxygination of its blood. It 

 is found in the Alleghany River, but does not get up high 

 into the mountain. 



MENOBRANCHUS Lateralis, (Say.) This species was found 

 by Say at Pittsburg. It does not pursue the waters of the 

 Alleghany to great heights. These two animals are also 

 Western species. 



