Blind Animals in Caves

Abstract

IN his last letter (p. 537) Mr. J. T. Cuuningham states that the “early stages” of the European Proteus have not yet been obtained. This assertion is incorrect. In 1888 and 1889 the oviposition and development have been described by E. Zeller (Zool. Anz., 1888, No. 290, and Fahresh. Ver. Naturk. Württ., xlv., 1889, p. 131, plate iii.), who gives a coloured figure of the larva, and particularly refers to the development of the eyes. As early as 1831 (Oken's “Isis,” 1831, p. 501) Michahelles remarked that the eyes in young specimens are more distinct and somewhat larger than in the adult.