AXOLOTL. Axol teles 



an adult crawling batrachian with perpetual gills, but that it is in its preliminary or tad- 

 pole stage of existence. Mr. Baird makes the following sensible remarks on this subject: 



" It so much resembles the larva of Ambystoma punctata, in both external form and 

 internal structure, that I cannot but believe it to be the larva of some gigantic species of 

 this genus. It differs from all other perennibranchiates in possessing the larval character 

 of the gular or opercular flap, this being unattached to the adjacent integuments, and free 

 to the extremity of the chin. The non-discovery of the adult is no argument against its 

 existence. I had caught hundreds of the very remarkable larva of Pseudotriton salmoneus 

 near Carlisle before I found an adult. Until then I knew nowhere to refer the animal, 

 supposing this species to exist no nearer than the mountains of New York and Vermont. 



As may be seen from the illustration, the gills or branchiae are quite as large in pro- 

 portion as those of the newt in its larval state. They are three in number on each side, 

 and furnished with fringes. 



The Axolotl inhabits Mexico, where it is tolerably plentiful, and in some places is 

 found in such numbers that it is sold in the markets for the table. It frequents the lake 

 surrounding the city of Mexico, and, according to Humboldt, is also found in the cold 

 waters of certain mountain lakes at a considerable elevation above the sea. 



The colour of this remarkable creature is rather dark greyish brown, covered thickly 

 vVith black spots. The length varies from eight to ten inches. 



ANOTHER small order now comes before us, containing a few species, and only two 

 very small families. In all these creatures the body is long and lizard-like, the legs four 

 and feeble, and the gills internal, but permanent throughout life. 



OUE first example of this family is the now celebrated GIGANTIC SALAMANDEE. 



This is undoubtedly one of the least attractive of the vertebrate animals, being dull ii. 

 habits, sombre in colour, with a sort of half-finished look about it, and not possessing even 

 that savage ugliness which makes many a hideous creature attractive in spite of its 

 uncomeliness. It is a native of Japan, and even in that country seems to be rare, a large 

 sum being asked for it by the seller. It lives in the lakes and pools that exist in the 

 basaltic mountain ranges of Japan. 



