CLASS BATRACHIA. 



Ill 



FIG. 191. 



as they of necessity must be to work the broad webbed 

 feet. The moist skin is also characteristic, being of use 

 for respiratory purposes. Indeed, it is said that a Frog 

 will live for more than a month with its lungs removed, 

 but if the skin becomes parched, the animal will quickly 

 die. The ears are large and prominent, being the drum- 

 head-like membranes just back of the eyes. 



During the warmer months, Frogs are often to be 

 seen sunning themselves on 

 some bank, but always on the 

 alert for any passing insect, 

 which they seize, as do the 

 Toads, with their extensible 

 tongues. The Bull-frog is not 

 always content with an insec- 

 tivorous diet, but will attack 

 young ducks, and, in a fit of 

 hunger, may even swallow one 

 of its companions, possibly its 

 own offspring. Winter is spent either in the mud of the 

 pond, or in some crevice in the turf, whither the animal 

 crawls and becomes covered by the decaying leaves. 



The Tree-frogs, living an arboreal life, have the tips 

 of their toes provided with sucking 

 disks, by the aid of which they secure 

 themselves to the leaves and twigs 

 among which they feed. In the spring, 

 however, they take to the water, where 

 they deposit their eggs, and the young 

 pass through the tadpole stages. These 

 are the frogs that make the spring and 

 summer evenings vocal, especially when it rains, with 

 their loud clear trill. 



Sd'na ca tes bi <T na. Bull-froy 



FIG. 192. 



JIT/' la ver sic' o lor. 

 Tree-frog. (\.) 



