BATRACHIANS OF THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK 183 



rough, an indication of the red hue and rough skin of the terres- 

 trial form. If, on the other hand, specimens found in the woods 

 be placed in an aquarium, they at first show signs of marked 

 distaste for their new quarters. After a time, however, they be- 

 come reconciled to the water and lose their bright tints, thus be- 

 ginning to assume the colors of their aquatic associates, while 

 the tail grows broader and better suited for swimming. Very 

 small, bright red forms are often found in the woods, demon- 

 strating that such specimens have left the water immediately 

 after completing the larval stage. 



As an explanation of the eccentricities of this species it may 

 be explained that the cool depths of the mountain forests, con- 

 tinuously and heavily shaded, and well saturated with moisture, 

 offer the species an inducement to vary its life history. Close to 

 New York City, where the red form is unknown, the writer has 

 observ^ed an intimation of this terrestrial tendency. In the 

 thick woods of the Palisades of the Hudson, he has found occa- 

 sional Newts hiding under pieces of bark that rested a few feet 

 from the edge of a pool inhabited by nimibers of the kind. Such 

 specimens showed a tinge of brown like the form miniatus. 



The terrestrial form has been described as possessing a much 

 rougher skin and lacking the fin-folds of the tail of the aquatic 

 form. These characters, however, are caused merely by the 

 drying of the skin. 



In the aquarium, the water form is an interesting creature, 

 and may be kept in flourishing condition by feeding it small 

 earthworms or small pieces of raw beef. The red form lives well 

 in a vivarium which has been plentifully supplied with damp 

 moss. It will eat the larvae of ants and small earthworms. It 

 may be found in the Highlands of the Hudson River. Its range 

 of distribution is much the same as the water form, except that 

 it occurs principally in mountainous districts. 



[29] 



