i8o THE CRESTED NEWT. 



the leaf 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 color, 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 pro- 

 portion to the diminution of the gills the lungs increase in size, and the animal under- 

 goes 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 principal, 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 breath 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 colors 

 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 un- 

 like 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 supported 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 cap- 

 tured 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 its 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, com- 

 ing 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 palms 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 even the young of aquatic 



