86 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



Color. Shining black above, with numerous minute irregular grey or pale-ash spots distri- 

 buted over the head, back and tail ; the spots on the flanks are larger, and inclined to brownish. 

 Belly uniform plumbeous ; inferior and posterior portions of the tail rather lighter. 



Total length, 7-0. 



Of tail, 4-0. 



This large Triton, which in its form resembles the last described species, was captured by 

 Mr. I. Cozzens in the neighborhood of New- York. I had referred it originally to the glutinosa 

 of Green ; from which, liowever, it is obviously distinct by its shorter tail. The brief notice 

 of porphyritica is very unsatisfactory ; but I prefer placing it provisionally under that name, 

 rather than to introduce a new nominal species. The suprafusca of Green may have been 

 derived from a cabinet specimen. 



The Grey-spotted Triton conceals itself under rocks and stones in moist places, and is 

 exceedingly active in its movements. 



(EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 



T. ingens. (Green. Ac. Sc. Vol. 6, p. 256. Holbrook, Herp. Vol. 5.) Ferruginous throughout, 

 with dark bluish blotches. Tail compressed, and more than half the total length. Edge of the 

 external toes of the hind legs fimbriated. Total length eleven inches. New-Orleans. 



T. jeffersoni. (Green, Mac. Lye.) Light brown, sprinkled with azure blue points. Tail sub- 

 compressed, as long as the body. Length seven inches. Pennsylvania. 



FAMILY SIRENID^. 



Body elongate, formed for swimming. Feet either four, or two anterior only. Tail com- 

 pressed, persistent. Respiration aquatic by gills throughout life, coexistent with rudi- 

 mentary lungs. Gills external, persistent. Eyes with palpehrce. 



This group corresponds with the order Amphipneusta of Bell, and the sub-class Biplopneu- 

 mena of Hogg. It comprises the genera Siredon, Siren and Menobranchus ; of the latter 

 genus, we have a representative in this State. 



GENUS MENOBRANCHUS. Harlan. 



Head large, flattened, truncate. Two rows of small conical teeth in the upper jaw ; one 

 row beneath. Four feet, with four free toes on each. 



Although the t3rpe of this genus has received a variety of names, yet we are indebted to 

 Dr. Harlan for the first clear and distinct account founded on its anatomical characters. It 

 has been vaguely called Salamandra, Triton, Proteus and Necturus, without sufficiently 

 eliminating or restricting its characters. The name proposed by Harlan must therefore be 

 considered as firmly established. 



