180 THE CEESTED NEWT. 



round the egg, so as to conceal it, and contrived to fasten it so firmly that the twist always 

 retained its form. The apparent shape of the egg is oval, and semi-transparent, but on 

 looking more closely, it is seen to be nearly spherical, of a very pale yellow-brown, and 

 inclosed within an oval envelope of gelatinous substance. 



When the young Newt is hatched it much resembles the common tadpole, but is of a 

 lighter colour, and its gills are more developed. It rapidly increases in size, until it 

 has attained a length of nearly two inches, the fore-legs being then tolerably strong, and 

 the hinder pair very small and weak. The gills are at this time most beautiful objects, 

 and if the young creature be properly arranged under the microscope, the circulation of 

 the blood, as seen through their transparent walls, is one of the most exquisite sights that 

 the microscope can afford. 



The legs now attain greater strength, the gills become gradually more opaque and 

 slowly lessen in size, being at last entirely absorbed into the body. In exact pioportion to 

 the diminution of the gills the lungs increase in size, and the animal undergoes exactly 

 the same metamorphosis as has already been related of the frog, being changed, in point 

 of fact, from a fish into a batrachian. The tail, however, remains, and is made the prin- 

 cipal, if, indeed, not the only means by which the Newt propels itself through the water. 



When it has passed through its changes, the Newt is no longer able to lead a 

 sub-aquatic life, but is forced to breathe atmospheric air. For this purpose it rises 

 to the surface at tolerably regular intervals, puts its snout just out of the water, and, with 

 a peculiar little popping sound, ejects the used air from its lungs and takes in a fresh 

 supply. 



Towards the breeding season the male changes sensibly in appearance ; his colours 

 are brighter, and his movements more brisk. The beautiful waving crest now begins to 

 show itself, and grows with great rapidity, until it assumes an appearance not unlike that 

 of a very thin cock's-comb, extending from the head to the insertion of the hinder limbs, 

 and being deeply toothed at the edge. The tail is also furnished with a crest, but with 

 smooth edges. When the animal leaves the water, this crest is hardly visible, because it 

 is so delicate that it folds upon the body and is confounded with the skin ; but when sup- 

 ported by the water, it waves with every movement of its owner, and has a most graceful 

 aspect. 



After the breeding season, the crest diminishes as rapidly as it arose, and in a short 

 time is almost wholly absorbed. Some remnants of it, however, always remain, so that 

 the male may be known, even in the winter, by the line of irregular excrescences along 

 the back. The use of this crest is not known, but it evidently bears a close analogy 

 to the gorgeous nuptial plumage of many birds, which at other times are dressed in 

 quite sober garments. 



The Newt feeds upon small worms, insects, and similar creatures, and may be captured 

 by the simple process of tying a worm on a thread by the middle, so as to allow both ends 

 to hang down, and then angling as if for fish. The Newt is a ravenous creature, and when 

 it catches a worm, closes its mouth so firmly that it may be neatly landed before it 

 looses its hold. Some writers recommend a hook, but I can assert, from much practical 

 experience, that the hook is quite needless, and that the Newt may be captured by the 

 simple worm and thread, not even a rod being required. 



It is curious to see the Newt eat a worm. It seizes it by the middle with a sudden 

 snap, as if the jaws were moved by springs, and remains quiet for a few seconds, when it 

 makes another snap, which causes the worm to pass farther into ita mouth.. Six or seven 

 such bites are usually required before the worm finally disappears. 



The skin or epidermis of the Newt is very delicate, and is frequently changed, coming 

 off in the water in flakes. I found that my own specimens always changed their skin as 

 often as I changed the water, and it was very curious to see them swimming about with 

 the flakes of transparent membrane clinging to their sides. The skin of the paws is drawn 

 off just like a glove, every finger being perfect, and even the little wrinkles in the palm? 

 being marked. These gloves look very pretty as they float in the water, but if removed 

 they collapse into a shapeless lump. 



The food of the Newt consists of worms, insects, and oven the young of aquatic 



