Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/63

SMOOTH NEWT months before the young Newt is ready to crawl from its watery home. It then becomes a land-lubber for three years, but on reaching maturity during the fourth year, it returns to the water for some three months each year for the purpose of helping to carry on the destiny of its race. Earthworms, insects, molluscs, tadpoles, and various water creatures are devoured, and to observe a Newt seizing its food is an apt illustration of how an

Otherwise slow-moving animal can, if needs be, get a move-on when occasion demands. The Smooth Newt is so-called because of the clearness of its skin. It is brownish-grey above, with Unes of black spots, which are also present on the crest of the male. The yellow colouring below is relieved with spots of black, the male being more distinctly ornamented than his mate. The male has a red edging on the tail, whereas that of the female is orange, and the former has a stripe of blue 47