XXVIII. The Salamander is an amphibious Serpent, very much spotted; superior in Bulk to common Lizards. The Land-Salamander is a little poisonous Reptile, that resembles the green Lizard, but more gross in Body; and is found in Germany and other Places.
CONRADUS Gesner, says he saw one of ’em on the Alps perfectly black, with a short Tail: When wounded, a kind of milky Liquid runs out. In Germany, are several great Woods, where black Salamanders have been seen; Teste Matthiolo[[196]].
[196]. Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus, p. 137.
This little strange Animal affects moist, cold and solitary Habitations. In some parts of Germany great numbers of them have been found in a Body piled up, one upon another: They are of the oviparous kind, and propagate their Species by Eggs, the common Semen of Fowls and Insects.
They are Enemies to Frogs and the Tortoise, and feed on little small Insects; and when they have Access to Honey and Milk, they never want a Feast.
It is of a poisonous Nature, and many have suffer’d by its Biting; so says Pliny, with whom agree Nicander, Aëtius, and Abensinæ.
GESNER is in a contrary Sentiment, and says he had domestick Salamanders, that offered no violence with their Teeth without Provocation. Jonstonus adds, that in Germany there appeared no ill Effects of its Bite; but in France its Wounds were of a most deadly Nature, as appears by a Saying in that Kingdom. viz. That a Man bit by a Salamander, should have as many Physicians to cure him, as the Salamander has Spots, which are numerous[[197]].
[197]. ——tot medicis indigere quot maculas bestia habet, proverbio jactant. Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus, p. 137.
The Aquatic Salamander is not very unlike the former, unless it be in Colour and Figure; some with a Tail turn’d up, others with a flat Tail, prominent in the middle: There are various sorts of them; one of which appears in the form of a Turbot, whose Eggs are as large as Garden-pears.
When upon Land their Mouth will not open, unless it be by Force, or they be cast into a Vessel of Water: When put upon Salt, they move the Tail and die; their Skin is close compacted, and not penetrable by a Sword; and ’tis said that Swine’s Flesh is Poison to them[[198]].