NATURAL HISTORY. 407 







entrance of the mouth, and when at rest points backwards 

 down the throat. When, however, the Frog comes within reach 

 of a slug or insect, the tongue is darted out with exceeding 

 rapidity, the slug secured, carried to the back of the throat, and 

 swallowed. 



Both frogs and toads hybernate, the former congregating 

 in multitudes in the mud at the bottoms of ponds and marshes, 

 while the latter choose a hole in the ground, frequently at the 

 roots of a tree, and pass the winter in solitary dignity.^ 



The skin of these animals has the property of imbibing 

 water, so that if an apparently emaciated Irog is placed in a 

 damp place, it will soon look quite plump. 



The Common Frog is a well known frequenter of marshy 

 places and the banks of rivers. It is an admirable swimmer, 

 and from the peculiar construction of its lungs can remain for 

 some time under water, but is forced periodically to come to 

 the surface for the purpose of breathing. 



The Bull-Frog is an inhabitant of North America. It is very 

 voracious, feeding upon fishes, mollusks, and even young fowl. 

 Its powers of leaping are so great that an Indian was not able 

 to overtake an irritated bull-frog after it had sprung three hops 

 in advance. It is very large, measuring about seven inches in 

 length. 



The Tree Frogs are very peculiar animals. The construc- 

 tion of their feet, something resembling that of the geckos, en- 

 ables them to traverse the branches, and even to hang on the 

 under surface of a pendant leaf, which it so resembles in colour 

 that the unwary insect passes by and is instantly seized by the 

 watchful frog. The Green Tree Frog is the most common, 

 and is plentifully found in southern Europe and northern Africa. 

 There are several specimens in the Zoological Gardens, which 

 present a most absurd appearance as they stick against the pane 

 of glass forming the front of their cage. 



* In February, 1852, two frogs were dug out of the play-ground of Magdalen School, 

 Oxford. They were about a foot from the surface of the ground, and their habitation 

 was quite smooth. Both were sitting with their mouths pointed upwards, but I could 

 not ascertain if there had been auy communication with the open air. 





