No. 387.] DESMOGNATHUS FUSCA. 233 
nosus, which are rarely met with in this locality. It cannot be 
said, however, that all authors are in accord concerning the 
rarity of these two salamanders. It is noticeable that BAIRD 
(50) and Cope ('89), both of whom had exceptional opportunity 
to study specimens from an extensive area, do not consider it 
rare. Cope (89) distinctly states, on the other hand, that 
D. fusca is “perhaps the most abundant salamander in N. 
America.” 
Habitat. — Both of the salamanders in question are similar 
in habit and are commonly found associated. Although both 
are very common, they are so skilfully concealed, at least by 
day, that special knowledge is necessary in order to collect 
them in abundance. This is doubtless the reason why they 
have been considered rare. 
They are found in and about running brooks that are plenti- 
fully supplied with small stones, and they seem to prefer spots 
shaded by trees. Perhaps the best brooks of all are the little 
mountain streams that run swiftly down quite steep inclines, 
forming miniature cascades alternating with small shallow 
basins. Mountainous regions abound in such brooks, which may 
be usually located from a distance by noting the places where 
the slopes of two hills converge, forming a ravine. When such 
a brook is found, begin the search by turning over all the stones 
and bits of fallen logs that lie in the immediate vicinity of the 
edge of the brook. Stones, lying a foot or more above the water 
and upon the dry bank, will yield nothing, and, on the other 
hand, stones nearly or wholly submerged in the flowing water 
will be profitless, since any animals contained beneath them 
may easily escape by slipping along with the turbid current. 
The best stones are rather irregular ones, lying on the edge of 
the brook, and with the bottom surface just below the level of 
the water. The right sort of a stone, when lifted, should 
reveal a shallow cavity formed in the wet sand or mud, but 
containing little or no water at the moment at which the stone 
is removed. 
A little experience will enable the seeker to determine just 
which stones or other objects lie in the right position to serve 
as protection for the salamanders, and thus the labor becomes 
