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handsome frilled crest possessed by the latter in the spring. These creatures 

 feed on worms and tadpoles. 



7. The Palmated Newt is the smallest and rarest of our British species 

 about 3 inches long. The species may be identified by the curious filament 

 on the tail, and the fact that the crest has black edges and is not frilled. 



It should be noted that all the Amphibians are useful. Whilst in their 

 tadpole stage, they keep the water sweet by eating the vegetable growths. 

 When adult they feed on all kinds of aquatic creatures, and ashore 

 devour large numbers of insects. They can be kept in captivity in a simple 

 vivarium, such as a fern case, or glass-fronted box, provided a bath or dish 

 of water is placed within. It should not be of metal, however, as, for some 

 unknown reason, these creatures do not like it. The bottom of the case 

 should be strewn with loam, leaf-mould, sand, and pieces of stone, in which 

 a few coarse ferns may be planted. 



If newts are kept in an aquarium, it is essential that they should have 

 some means of leaving the water when they wish. I have often found that 

 they have been drowned in aquariums for lack of this means. It must be 

 remembered that they all spend more time in nature out of water than in it. 

 Flies, earwigs, small worms, meal worms may be given for food. In the 

 autumn a plentiful supply of moss should be put into a corner, in which 

 your pets can hibernate during the winter. 



Toads and frogs are easily tamed, and if fed at regular times will come 

 out from their hiding-places to get their meals. Many times I have seen 

 toads kept in a greenhouse or conservatory actually come to take worms 

 from their owner's fingers. 



