§2 TRITON NIGER. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of the animal is black, with a slight 

 bluish tinge. The throat and abdomen are purple. The young animals are often 

 rather brown than black, with a few amber-coloured spots on the flanks. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 4 lines; length of body, 2 inches; length of tail, 

 2 inches: total length, 4 inches 4 lines. 



Habits. The Triton niger is entirely aquatic in its habits. 



Geographical Distribution. This animal inhabits the Atlantic states from 

 lat. 43° to the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Pickering found it near Salem, in Massachu- 

 setts; Professor Green observed it in Pennsylvania; I have seen it in Carolina and 

 Georgia, and have received specimens from Louisiana. 



General Remarks. Professor Green was the first naturalist who observed 

 and described the Triton niger under the specific name it here bears. 



