158 DR. J, DE BEDRIAGA OX THE PYEENEATf NEWT. [Eeb. 19, 



several of the above-mentioned, whilst in others in their neigh- 

 bourhood which are not supplied during the whole summer by 

 fresh glacier water it is not found. The Lac d'Oncet, where it 

 is perhaps more abundant than elsewhere, lies at an elevation of 

 about 2300 metres ; it is free from ice and snow only during a 

 couple of months in the year, and sometimes the summer life of 

 M. asperu is even limited to seven or eight weeks ; nevertheless 

 those conditions of existence seem to suit that newt, as it is seldom 

 found in places of a low elevation or on level country, and if by 

 chance this does occur, never in numbers. The specimens captured 

 at Pau and at Cauterets certainly did not intentionally immigrate 

 there, but were dragged there with the mountain-currents ; even 

 the individuals which I have collected higher up in the Gave were 

 doubtless also such forced travellers. 



Amongst other conditions required for the well-being of this 

 newt, the quality of the ground of the lakes seems to be an impor- 

 tant one ; as it is found only in lakes with stony and rocky bottom. 

 It does not survive a prolonged immersion in water ; and, as it 

 swims slowly, I presume that it lives only in places where the 

 water is not deep. Fishermen whom I questioned assured me that in 

 the Lac de Gaube their nets never brought M. asjKra when thrown 

 deep down, but another much longer newt ! The localities pre- 

 ferred by M. aspera in the lakes which I have visited are the small 

 creeks near the influx and the outflow of the water, and often 

 enough I discovered half a dozen specimens sitting close together 

 in the most singular attitudes, under a large stone in the water. 

 As this newt moves only when in search of food, or when it feels 

 the want^of a breath of fresh air and has to swim towards the 

 surface of the water to get it, it is only now and then seen, the 

 rest of the time it hides itself. Large stones, even blocks, have 

 sometimes to be lifted in order to get at it, and even then prompt- 

 ness is required to seize it, so to say by surprise, as soon as it is 

 discovered, otherwise it makes use of the smallest rift to escape 

 and hide itself under the rubble-stones which form real labyrinths 

 in the Pyrenean lakes. 



The motions of the adult M. aspera are so slow, the bright-coloured 

 stripe along the lower edge of the tail, and especially the yellow 

 spots some individuals show on their upper surfaces, are so striking 

 that the stony ground with its numerous lurking holes is a great, 

 protection for this newt, though it seems that in some lakes, like 

 the Lac d'Oncet for instance, their only enemies are the naturalists. 

 In the Lac Bleu and in the Lac de Gaube, where M. aspera is far 

 from being abundant, quantities of trout are found, and it is more 

 than probable that the fish persecute and destroy the newt, and not 

 vice versa as the natives presume. The few Pyrenean inhabitants 

 who know of the existence of M. aspera in their lakes spread 

 the worst reputation about this innocent creature, and I met with 

 athletic shepherds accustomed to deal with wolves, bears, and vipers 

 who trembled at the very sight of M. aspera, and of course they 

 were not to be persuaded into helping me to collect them, especially 



