


1891.] The Vermilion-Spotted Newt. 1097 
it, as well as its less brilliant companion, had assumed the char- 
acteristic coloration of the viridescent form. These two speci- 
mens were fed earthworms occasionally and kept in the jar until 
the following July. There was not the slightest indication during 
this period of nearly a year of a return to the red coloration, and 
the epithelium of the mouth remained ciliated. In the middle of 
July they were placed where they could enter the water, which 
they did with great readiness, and remained under for a considera- 
ble time at first. The time under water increased in length until 
within two or three days the pharyngeal respiration under water 
was fully established; and if put with specimens from pond or 
lake they could not be distinguished either by appearance or 
behavior. Furthermore, viridescent specimens from the water 
have been kept in the air for several months, but there was never 
any indication of a return to the red garb of the immature form. 
It was found, as shown in the accompanying plate, that some 
specimens from the water inclined to a brownish green, hence it 
was found desirable to note carefully the appearance at the begin- 
ning of the experiments. These experiments and observations 
seem to the writer to entirely preclude the notion that the red 
form owes its coloration to either food, season, or situation; but 
that it is normal for a given stage of its growth and development. 
It is believed also that this change of the red to the viridescent 
form without entering the water accounts for the belief among 
some naturalists that the adult aquatic forms voluntarily leave the 
water and become terrestrial. 
2. In the observations of Col. Pike ('86) the transformation 
from the red to the viridescent form took place after entering the 
water, and apparently took place in the summer or autumn, 
although he does not state distinctly. In the cases observed by 
me one specimen was kept over winterin wood humus, and in the 
spring given opportunity to enter the water. It did so in a short 
time, and within two weeks had completely transformed. | Two 
other specimens were found in the woods in the early spring ; 
they likewise entered the water after a few days and gradually 
changed their red for the iridescent coloration, and assumed an 
aquatic life with the accompanying pharyngeal respiration and 
