J 578 The Zoologist— March, 1869. 



the two types of coloration have each at present two representatives, 

 and are sufficiently distinct to merit a more particular description. 

 The former has a ground colour of greenish black, on which are 

 bands or patches of grayish yellow, more or less confluent, especially 

 along the back. The abdomen is dusky olive, with a darker medial 

 band. The latter type clearly corresponds to Amblystoma raaculatum, 

 which is regarded by Prof. Cope as a variety of A. Mavortium. In 

 this form the ground colour is light olive, on which are scattered 

 numerous small brown spots. In each specimen a few of these first 

 appeared on the tail, and next four of larger size on either shoulder, 

 and subsequently others on the sides. The specimens of this type 

 are also larger and more sluggish in habit than the other variety, and 

 until very recently would have been considered distinct species by all 

 herpetologists. In most other respects, however, there is little or no 

 difference between the two forms, and both of them, with one 

 other specimen representing an intermediate grade, must apparently 

 all be regarded as belonging to Prof. Baird's species, Amblystoma 

 Mavortium.* 



At the time the siredons here described were obtained at Lake Como 

 several others also were secured by Prof Eustis, of Harvard College. 

 All were brought to New York together, and there separated, part 

 teing taken to Cambridge, where they have since been carefully 

 observed by Prolessors Wyman and Eustis, and the rest brought to 

 New Haven by the writer. The former specimens, however, strange 

 to say, have shown but very little inclination to change, none having 

 commenced so doing until after several of the latter had fidly developed 

 into Amblystomata, and only the smallest, about five inches in length, 

 having just completed its metamorphosis. This individual, as Prof. 

 Wyman informs the writer, seems still to prefer remaining in the water, 

 — doubtless owing in part to the cool autumnal weather, — although it 

 is there exposed to attacks from the large siredons, one of which has 

 twice attempted to swallow it — an interesting fact illustrating the 

 habits of the species. Two of the siredons kept by Prof. Eustis 

 escaped during a rain storm, and six days afterwards one of them was 

 found still alive, although shrivelled up and the branchiae partially 

 gone. On being placed in water it refused food, and soon died. That 

 siredons of apparently this species are occasionally found in wet grass 

 near the water, especially after thunder showers, had already been 



* Journal Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelpliia, 1849, p. 292. 



