SPOTTED EFT MENOPOMA CONGO SNAKE. 233 



THE SPOTTED EFT. 



Related to the salamanders, we shall find a curious creature 

 in Pennsylvania, and other parts of the States, known as the 

 spotted eft, or ambystome. It has a thick, convex head, 

 with a rounded muzzle ; and is of a deep violet-black colour 

 above, and purplish-black below, the sides being ornamented 

 with a row of large yellow spots. Unlike other newts, it 

 deposits its eggs in small packets under damp stones. There 

 is another similar creature with mole-like habits, which bur- 

 rows under the ground, found in various parts of the States. 



THE MENOPOMA. 



Another of the same order a formidable and savage 

 creature is the menopoma, inhabiting the Ohio, Alleghany, 

 and other rivers of the south, frequently, from its propensities, 

 called the young alligator. It is also known as the " ground 

 puppy," the " mud devil," and other well-deserved, if not com- 

 plimentary names. 



It is about two feet in length ; but the teeth, for its size, 

 are small. In appearance, it is ugly in the extreme ; and as, 

 from its voracious habits, it devours a number of fish, and 

 bites fiercely when captured, it is especially hated by the 

 fishermen, who believe it to be venomous, and treat it as sea- 

 men do the detested shark. 



The above names have been given to it in consequence of its 

 voracity, and its being found generally in muddy bottoms. 



THE CONGO SNAKE. 



In digging into the mud, sometimes a number of snake-like 

 creatures, between two and three feet long, are turned up 



