. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE PROTEUS. 45? bears a close analogy to the gorgeous nuptial plumage of many birds, which at other times are dressed in quite sober garments. The Newt feeds upon small worms, insects, and similar creatures, and may be'captured by the simple process of tying a worm on a thread by the middle, so as to allow both ends to hang down, and then angling as if for fish. The Newt is a ravenous creature, and when it catches a worm, closes its mouth so firmly that it may be neatly landed before it loosens its hold. Some writers recommend a hook, but I can assert,
. The popular natural history . Zoology. THE PROTEUS. 45? bears a close analogy to the gorgeous nuptial plumage of many birds, which at other times are dressed in quite sober garments. The Newt feeds upon small worms, insects, and similar creatures, and may be'captured by the simple process of tying a worm on a thread by the middle, so as to allow both ends to hang down, and then angling as if for fish. The Newt is a ravenous creature, and when it catches a worm, closes its mouth so firmly that it may be neatly landed before it loosens its hold. Some writers recommend a hook, but I can assert, from much practical experience, that the hook is quite needless, and that the Newt may be captured by the simple worm and thread, not even a rod being required. It is curious to see the Newt eat a worm. It seizes it by the middle with a sudden snap, as it the jaws were moved by springs, and remains quiet for a few seconds, when it makes another snap, which causes the worm to pass farther into its mouth. Six or seven such bites are usually required before the worm finally disappears. The skin or epidermis of the Newt is very delicate, and is frequently changed, coming off in the water in flakes. I found that my (Vn specimens always changed their skin as often as I changed the water, and it was very curious to see them swimming about with the flakes of transparent membrane clinging to their sides. The skin of the paws is drawn off just like a glove, every finger being per- fect, and even the little wrinkles in the palms being marked. These gloves look very pretty as they float in the water, but if removed they collapse into a shapeless lump. proteus.—(/"/-(pfe-wj anguinus.) The food of the Newt consists of worms, insects, and even the young of aquatic reptiles. I have seen a large male Crested Newt make a savage dart at a younger individual of the same species, but it did not succeed in eating the intended victim. The next order of Cra^vling Batrachians is called by the n
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
