74 SALAMANDRA TALPOIDEA. 



Colour. The whole animal above, head, body, tail, and extremities, is of a 

 dusky uniform colour, approaching to black. The throat, belly, and under surface 

 of the tail are also dusky, but have a strong tinge of purple. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 5 lines; of body to vent, 1 inch 5 lines; of tail, 

 1 inch 3 lines: total length, 3 inches 1 line. 



Geographical Distribution. The only locality that I have at present for the 

 Salamandra talpoidea, is the sea islands on the borders of South Carolina, where 

 it was discovered by Dr. Burden, one of my pupils. 



General Remarks. The habits of this animal are not a little curious, as it 

 burrows in the ground like a mole, where it seems constantly to dwell. It chooses 

 light soil for its residence, and if disturbed, it will bury itself in a few seconds, 

 and there continue its course concealed from view; but its track can often be 

 followed by the elevation produced on the surface of the soil, similar to that seen 

 in fields infested by moles (talpa). It is curious that this animal has the teeth 

 and tail of a Triton, and yet has never been seen in water, but always on land. 



