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Show 158 DE. J. DE BEDEIAGA ON THE PYBENEAN NEWT. [Feb. 19, several of the above-mentioned, whilst in others in their neighbourhood which are not supplied during the whole summer by-fresh glacier water it is not found. The Lac d'Oncet, where it is perhaps more abundant than elsewhere, lies at an elevation of about 2300 metres ; it is free from ice and snow only during a couple of months in the year, and sometimes the summer life of M. aspera is even limited to seven or eight weeks ; nevertheless those conditions of existence seem to suit that newt, as it is seldom found in places of a low elevation or on level country, and if by chance this does occur, never in numbers. The specimens captured at Pau and at Cauterets certainly did not intentionally immigrate there, but were dragged there with the mountain-currents ; even the individuals which I have collected higher up in the Gave were doubtless also such forced travellers. Amongst other conditions required for the well-being of this newt, the quality of the ground of the lakes seems to be an important one ; as it is found only in lakes with stony and rocky bottom. It does not survive a prolonged immersion in water : and, as it swims slowly, I presume that it lives only in places where the water is not deep. Fishermen w h o m I questioned assured m e that in the Lac de Gaube their nets never brought M. aspera when thrown deep down, but another much longer newt! The localities preferred by M. aspera in the lakes which I have visited are the small creeks near the influx and the outflow of the water, and often enough I discovered half a dozen specimens sitting close together in the most singular attitudes, under a large stone in the water. As this newt moves only when in search of food, or when it feels the want of a breath of fresh air and has to swim towards the surface of the water to get it, it is only now and then seen, the rest of the time it hides itself. Large stones, even blocks, have sometimes to be lifted in order to get at it, and even then promptness is required to seize it, so to say by surprise, as soon as it is discovered, otherwise it makes use of the smallest rift to escape and hide itself under the rubble-stones which form real labyrinths in the Pyrenean lakes. The motions of the adult M. aspera are so slow, the bright-coloured stripe along the lower edge of the tail, and especially the yellow spots some individuals show on their upper surfaces, are so striking that the stony ground with its numerous lurking holes is a great protection for this newt, though it seems that in some lakes, like the Lac d'Oncet for instance, their only enemies are the naturalists. In the Lac Bleu and in the Lac de Gaube, where M. aspera is far from being abundant, quantities of trout are found, and it is more than probable that the fish persecute and destroy the newt, and not vice versa as the natives presume. The few Pyrenean inhabitants who know of the existence of M. aspera in their lakes spread the worst reputation about this innocent creature, and I met with athletic, shepherds accustomed to deal with wolves, bears, and vipers who trembled at the very sight of M. aspera, and of course they were not to be persuaded into helping m e to collect them, especially |