AMPHIBIANS. 



101 



early part of the spring : they will aU then have returned 

 to the water, and have developed their most strikLag colours, 

 and in the case of the males, their crests. 



Newts take readily to a life in the tank; and, if they are 

 provided with an island, proper food, and suitable weed, 

 the females will soon begin to lay their eggs. During their 

 breeding season they are very lively, continually moving 

 gracefully to and fro in the aquarium, 

 or coming up to the surface of the 

 water for a fresh draught of air, often 

 making as they do so a " popping " 

 noise ; and besides being lively, they 

 are extremely inquisitive, apparently 

 taking notice of all that goes on both 

 within and outside their tank. 



It is very interesting to watch the 

 female newt lay her eggs. She gene- 

 rally wraps them carefully, as they 

 are laid, in the leaves of some water- 

 weed. But should the desired plants 

 not be within her reach, she will 

 deposit the eggs upon stones, or be- 

 tween two leaves which are not pliant 

 enough to bend, or she will fold them 

 in the leaves of the willow should any 

 be dipping in the water, or in blades 

 of grass. The plants which she pre- 

 fers for the protection and hiding of 

 her eggs are the Starwort {Callitriche 

 verna), the Anacharis, and the Water 

 Crowfoot [Ranunculus aquatilis). 



The egg-laying is spread over several days, and may take 

 place during the months of April, May, and June. The 

 newt, when wishing to lay, hunts about for a suitable leaf. 

 She seems to be very particular, and appears to test its 

 suitabihty by smelling and bending it. When she has 

 obtained one to her taste she will fold it with her hind legs 

 and carefully lay the egg within the fold, gently pressing 



Fig. 83. Leaves of Vernal 

 Greater Starwort en- 

 folding Eggs op Newt 

 IN VARIODS Stages op 

 Development. 



