40 FAMILIAR LIFE IN FIELD AND FOREST. 



whicli impart a somewhat plum-colored hue to the 

 creature. 



The eggs of this species are surrounded by large 

 masses of albuminous matter, which are deposited in 

 pools, ditches, and streamlets. Upon a closer exami- 

 nation these masses will be found to consist of a num- 

 ber of hollow spheres about a quarter of an inch in 

 diameter, connected together by a transparent jelly. 

 Within each sphere is the embryo of a young sala- 

 mander. In due season the half-developed, fishlike 

 creature, freed from the gelatinous envelope, com- 

 pletes its growth in the quiet water, and finally de- 

 velops four legs, which sprout from the body and ter- 



minate first with three, 

 finally five toes. 



then four, and 

 This salaman- 

 der is common 

 from New York 

 westward and south- 

 ward. The length 

 of an average specimen at 

 maturity is about six inches. 

 Another closely alHed 

 species is the Ainblystoma 

 tigrinAon, sometimes ten inches in length, but gener- 

 ally not more than seven. The color of this species 

 is leaden black of a brownish tone ; on the upper 

 parts, generally on the sides of the tail and limbs, are 



Tiger-spotted Salamander 

 (Amblystoma tigrmum). 



