192 Handbook of Nature-Study 



LESSON XLVI 

 THE TREE-FROG OR TREE-TOAD 



Leading thought -The prettiest part of the spring chorus of the frog 

 ponds is sung by the tree-frogs. These little frogs have the tips of 

 their toes specially fitted for climbing up the sides of trees. 



Method Make a moss garden in an aquarium jar or a two-quart can. 

 Place stones in the bottom and moss at one side, leaving a place on 

 the other side for a tiny pond of water. In this garden place a tree- 

 frog and cover the jar with mosquito netting and place in the shade. 

 The frogs may be found by searching the banks of a pond at night 

 with a lantern. However, this lesson is usually given when by 

 accident the tree frog is discovered. Any species of tree-frog will do ; but 

 the Pickering's hyla, known everywhere as the spring peeper, is the most 

 interesting species to study. 



Observations i. How large is the tree-frog? What is its color? 

 Describe the markings. 



2. Place the tree frog on some light-colored surface like a piece of 

 white blotting paper. Note if it changes color after a half hour. Later 

 place it upon some dark surface. Note if it changes color again. How 

 does this power of changing color benefit the tree frog? Place a tree-frog 

 on a piece of bark. After time is it noticeable? 



3. Describe the eyes. Note how little the tree-frog turns its head 

 to see anything behind it. Describe its actions if its attention is attracted 

 to anything. What color is the pupil? The iris? 



4. Note the movement of breathing. Where does this show the most ? 

 Examine the delicate membrane beneath the throat. What has this to 

 do with the breathing? 



5. What is the tree-frog's note? At what time of day does it peep? 

 At what time of year? Describe how the frog looks when peeping. 



6. How does the tree-frog climb? W T hen it is climbing up a vertical 

 surface study its toes. How many on the front foot? How are they 

 arranged ? How many toes on the hind foot ? Sketch the front and hind 

 feet. How do the toe discs look when pressed against the glass? How 

 does it manage to make the discs cling and then let go? Are there any 

 more discs 011 the under side of the toes ? Is there a web between the toes 

 of the hind feet ? Of the front feet ? 



7. Look at a tree-frog very closely and describe its nostrils and its ears. 



8. Are the tree-frogs good jumpers? What is the size and length of 

 the hind legs as compared with the body:' 



9. When and where are the eggs of the tree-frog laid? How do they 

 look? 



10. How do the tree-frog tadpoles differ from other tadpoles? 

 Describe them if you have ever seen them. In what situations do they 

 live? 



11. Of what use are the tree-frogs to us? 



References -"Cornell Nature Study Volume," The Life History of the 

 Toad, S. H. Gage; The Frog Book, Dickerson; Familiar Life of Field and 

 Forest, Mathews; American Natural History, Hornaday; Elementary 

 Zoology, V. L. Kellogg; From River Ooze to Tree-top, Sharp. 



