FLAT-TAILED SALAMANDER. 165 



The terreftrial Salamander is of the lizard kind. This name comprc- 

 liends a large tribe. This lizard has been but innperfefliy known, be- 

 caule he is rarely fecn out of his hole : has four toes before, five behind ; 

 leno^th feven inches or upwards. No fcales on his fkin, but a great 

 number of little orifices, which difcharge a vifcous liquid that fpreads 

 over the Ikin, and varnijhes the whole animal. The head is fomewhac 

 flat; the eyes on its upper part prominent, as alfo interiorly in the palate, 

 •where they are furrounded by a row of very fmall teeth, like thofe of the 

 jaws. Colour deeps blueifh on the belly; broad yellow fpots on the 

 body, feet, and eyelids. In the woods of Germany, feme black above, 

 yellow below. Has no ribs (like frogs). When touched, inftantly be- 

 dews itfelf with the un6tuous liquor mentioned, and can as rapidly become 

 dry. This liquor is very acrid. Loves humid and cool fpots, thick (hades 

 and woods, or hollow trees : pafles winter, many together, in holes un- 

 der ground. Walks very flowly on the ground ; does not climb trees : 

 is very retired; fears the heat of the fun, and quits its afylum only in 

 rainy weather. Lives on flies, beetles, and other infedls. Is often folded 

 on itfelf like ferpents; can remain fome time in water, where it quits its 

 ikin ; always endeavours to keep its nofe above water. Has no apparent 

 orifices for the ears; is filent. Defends itfelf only by its covering liquid, 

 and feems infenfible of danger. Is viviparous, brings forty to fifty 

 young. 



THE FLAT-TAILED SALAMANDER 



IS capable of living on land as well as in water; but prefers the lattfcr 

 element for his refidence. Has no fenfibie fcales on his body, or 

 nails on his toes; four toes before. Length fix or feven inches. Head 

 flat; tongue broad and fhort; (kin hard, and fheds a kind of milk, when 

 wounded : fmall whitifh warts on the body. General colour more or 

 lefs brown, lightening under the belly to a yellow. Is\fpotted, often 

 round, deep-coloured brown in the male; fometimes blueifh. The male 

 has a kind of creft running down his back, membranous, and jagged : the 

 tail has a membrane vertically y which makes the tail feem flat; the fame 

 nearly occurs in the female ; but ihe has no creft on the back. 



Loves 



