302 THE NATURAL HISTORY 



justified in rejecting the testimony of those experi- 

 mentalists, who assert that under certain abnormal 

 conditions (and possibly in a warmer climate than 

 ours) this secretion possesses dangerous properties ; 

 but as we believe it to be a provision for self defence 

 only, we are disposed to acquit this animal of the 

 majority of the charges brought against him. Another 

 vexed question in connection with this and the pre- 

 ceding species, which we are only qualified to touch 

 upon incidentally, is their longevity. If we may credit 

 half the tales related of the occasional discovery of 

 one or other of these animals in a solid block of 

 granite or limestone at a considerable depth below 

 the surface, we are led to the astounding inference 

 that many of the specimens thus brought to light 

 again, must have been in existence some thousands 

 of years ! ! 



The Common Smooth Newt, or Eft (Lophinus 

 punctatus\ is the only other reptile with which we 

 have to deal. It is found in great numbers in almost 

 all our stagnant waters, where it may be seen in its 

 various stages of development, the youngest indi- 

 viduals without legs, but provided with the branchial 

 appendages which save them the trouble of rising to 

 the surface of the water to breathe, the older ones now 

 and then wriggling up for a fresh supply of air, and 

 quietly disappearing again. Their eggs, unlike those 

 of the toad and frog, are said to be laid singly. 



FISHES. 



In these days of Pisciculture, we might be expected 

 to have a great deal to say on the subject of fishes ; 

 but the science is not yet practically known at 

 Harting, and our indigenous fishes are too limited 

 in the number of species to justify a lengthened 

 notice of them, it will be seen, however, that in one 

 instance at least, our want of variety is amply com- 



