76 



HALF-HOUKS IN THE GREEN LANES. 



tributed to ' Science Grossip ' in 1872. Its eggs were 

 deposited in the folds of the Callitriche verna, 

 similar in manner to that already described in the 

 preceding species. In thirteen or fourteen days, 

 these were hatched, the larvae being about three- 

 eighths of an inch long, with large eyes, and an 



Fig. 64. 



Showing different stages in De\elopment of Ova, from 1 to 4, &c. 



amber coloured body. The breathing organs (gills) 

 are now so transparent as to be scarcely visible. 

 As the eggs approach the time of hatching, the 

 development of the young tadpole within is plainly 

 visible, even to its changing its position, until it 

 bursts the egg with its minute head. 



It is of this species that the tales are so common 

 regarding its venomous character. We need not 

 stop to refer to them further, as our readers must 



