314 



VENOMS 



body covered with large warts, and an enormous head, broad 

 behind and flattened in front. 



This giant salamander is now confined to a few provinces in the 

 centre of Japan, between long. 34" and 3(5", in damp, shady places, 

 from 200 to 800 metres above sea-level. It is eaten by the Japanese, 



Fig. 121. — Salamandra maculosa (Europe aud North Africa). 



Fig. 122. —Triton jiiariiioratits (male). (Europe.) 



who also use it as a remedy for, or prophylactic against, contagious 

 disorders. By nature it is extremely sluggish, but tries to bite 

 when irritated, and then covers itself copiously with slime. 



The venom secreted by salamanders evidently serves to protect 

 these creatures against tlieir enemies. So long ago as 18G6, 



