72 VERTEBRATA. REPTILIA. 



thrown into a good fire which was burning in the 

 grate. The reptile, instead of perishing, slipped 

 like lightning through the coals, and ran away under 

 the fire-place apparently unhurt. The house in 

 which these animals were found was in a remark- 

 ably damp situation." * 



Of the Water-newts, (Triton^ Crist atus, $c.,) we 

 have three or four native species, common in ditches in 

 spring : we have not room to detail their manners, 

 which are much like those of Frogs. 



Passing over some very large animals of the 

 United States, resembling Salamanders, but in 

 which no gills have been discovered at any period, 

 we come to some, which, on the other hand, retain 

 them through life. 



Axolotus, J the Axolotl. 



This animal, about ten inches in length, has a 

 considerable resemblance to the tadpole of a water 

 newt: having branching gills proceeding from the 

 under side of the head on each side. It does not 

 part with these, nor undergo any transformation. It 

 is found in the lake which surrounds the city of 

 Mexico. 



An animal much resembling this, but attaining 

 the length of three feet, (Menobranchus Lateralis,) 

 is found in Lake Champlain. 



* Instincts of Animals, Bridge water Treatise, ii. p. 42.5. 



f A marine demon in ancient mythology. 



From its Mexican name. 



Msv, mewo, to remain, and |3gay;gte,iraftc%ea, gills. 



