Aquatic Amphibians 213 



are small or rudimentary. The eggs of 

 these amphibians are usually laid singly, 

 sometimes in small batches attached to 

 submerged weeds, the egg-laying showing 

 little of the adaptability observable in 

 the frogs and toads. The larvae bear 

 large external gills, but as they grow up 

 these disappear, and the animal is obliged 

 to rise to the surface at intervals for a 

 breather. The frogs show their kinship 

 with the higher vertebrates not only by 

 their general structure, but also by their 

 vocal powers. The newts and sala- 

 manders, however, are always silent. 

 Courtship is achieved in a fish-like man- 

 ner, and consists of violent gyrations 

 and manoeuvres until the lady says 

 ' Yes." Often the males develop a 

 nuptial suit of many startling colours, 

 and developments of the tail and crest, 

 ornamentations which can be seen to 

 advantage in the spring in the British 

 Crested Newt. 



