30 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



which would otherwise attack it. It has been proved by experiment 

 that this liquid, when introduced into the circulatory system by a 

 small wound is a very active poison, and causes certain death to the 

 smaller animals. This species is found in most parts of Europe, but 

 not in the British Islands. 



The Black Salamander {Triton alpestris) has no spots ; it is found 

 on the loftier European mountains, but principally on the highest Alps. 



Newts, or Aquatic Salamanders, have not a round conical tail 

 like the terrestrial species, but have that appendage compressed or 



Fig. 9. — Land Salamander. 



flattened laterally. The males (during the breeding season only) are 

 recognised chiefly by the membranous serrated ridge or crest which 

 extends along the whole length of the back, from the head to the 

 extremity of the tail, as represented in Fig. 10. Newts are found 

 in ditches, marshes, and ponds, which after the breeding season 

 they leave for any moist places they can find on land, often then 

 finding their way into drains and cellars. They are carnivorous, 

 feeding upon different insects and on the spawn of frogs, not even 

 sparing individuals of their own species. The females deposit their 

 eggs singly, fixing them on the under surface of the leaves of 

 aquatic plants. "Some Newts/' says Professor Owen, "deposit their 

 eggs upon aquatic plants, such as Polygonum persicaria, folding the 



