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TRITON .—Laurenti. 



Genus Triton. — Characters. Palatine teeth mostly in transverse series; 

 tongue adherent, except at its edges, never pediculated; tail compressed; fingers 

 four; toes five, more or less palmated at their roots. 



Remarks. The animals of this genus are entirely aquatic, and soon die if 

 taken from their accustomed element; yet, as their respiration is carried on with 

 lungs, they cannot breathe under water, and are, consequently, obliged to 

 approach its surface for atmospheric air. 



Another remarkable feature in the character of the animals of the genus 

 Triton, is their power of restoration of parts when mutilated, or their complete 

 reproduction of organs destroyed. This reproductive power is so active, that the 

 limbs of a Water Newt may be removed, and in less than one year they will be 

 perfectly restored.* The newly formed extremities may in turn be amputated, 

 and will in turn be replaced by others. Even the eye may be extirpated, and, in 

 less than eighteen months, this delicate organ, with its complicated apparatus of 

 humours and transparent media, will be perfectly reproduced.! 



In arranging the Tritons in two sections, it is to be understood that I speak 

 only of those inhabiting the United States; and they all, so far as I have observed 

 them, have the tongue more adherent than Salamanders, and never pediculated; 

 the tail is always compressed; and the palatine teeth, with one or two exceptions, 

 are arranged in transverse groups. 



* Blumenbach, Spec. Phys., p. 31. f Vid. anatomical part of this work. 



