2268 Reptiles. 



large specimens, are beautifully mottled by a net-work of lighter colour. In moor- 

 land the skin becomes harsh, and coloured more like the females of the common newt, 

 sometimes even to the orange belly. 



The several longitudinal bands of colour, and the bright and tesselated markings 

 of the full-dressed male, I leave to abler pens to describe ; but I may record that I 

 found one specimen, the only one I had from the pond in which it was (and I mention 

 the last fact because, like other animals, especially aquatic, it seems subject to local 

 variety), whose tail is covered with minute spots between the two rows of larger spots 

 which are always present, as shown in M. Deby's sketch : between these two rows 

 there are generally some other large spots, varying in number in different individuals. 

 The crests are never spotted or toothed as in punctatus ; and though, as M. Deby 

 says, they are generally small, yet sometimes they are considerably developed, but less 

 so than in punctatus. The web of the hind foot, which seems sometimes to extend 

 almost beyond the end of the toes, is black when in perfection, but when not so it is 

 sometimes pale. 



It is to be hoped that readers of the ' Zoologist ' will kindly report more localities. 

 In April and May newts may be caught by hundreds, with a landing net, in ponds 

 where frogs spawn. 



J. Wolley. 



3, Koxburgh Terrace, Edinburgh, 

 September 8, 1848. 



[I shall feel extremely obliged to any correspondent who will transmit specimens 

 or descriptions of any of our native salamanders, distinctly stating the locality, date, 

 and sex if known ; it seems most desirable to ascertain with greater precision than has 

 hitherto been attempted, the history, economy and synonomy of these very common 

 reptiles. May I venture to suggest that Mr. Bell's Triton Bibronii may be the female 

 of T. palustris, Linn., a name which I think should be restored, instead of cristatus 

 used by modern authors. — Edward Newman.] 



Naturalization of Rana esculenta at Epping. — Mr. Henry Doubleday having re- 

 ceived from Foulmire Fen some living specimens of this truly beautiful frog, turned 

 them loose near a pond not far from his residence. They soon migrated to another 

 pond, and there have made themselves perfectly at home. Mr. Doubleday has never 

 seen them on land, but they may often be observed seated on the floating pond-weed, 

 watching the Agrions and other insects which fly over the water, and occasionally 

 leaping to catch them when within reach. A few days since I had the pleasure of 

 watching these frogs, and would gladly have captured one to bring home, but he dived 

 so nimbly as to elude the net. Mr. Doubleday describes their croaking in spring as 

 being very loud and remarkable : at this season they would sometimes sit on a rail 

 which overhung the water, and exercise their vocal powers in great style. — Edward 

 Newman. 



On Reptiles swallowing their Young. — A great deal of discussion has taken place 

 in the pages of the ' Gardener's Chronicle,' on the subject of the faculty said to be 

 possessed by vipers, of receiving into their stomachs, as into a place of refuge, their 



