676 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF AUSTRALIAN BATRACHIA. 



As the collections herein recorded from the interior of the 

 colony were, for the most part, obtained on the upper waters of 

 tributaries of the River Darling, and as in a region with a com- 

 paratively small rainfall periodically subject to severe droughts it 

 is not unreasonable to suppose that the distribution of the amphibia 

 has been in some measui'e directed and regulated by the rivers, 

 some of the species enumerated may be expected to occur further to 

 the south in districts drained by the lower waters of the great 

 river system of the colony. 



Several observers have mentioned remarkable facts about bur- 

 rowing frogs {e.g. Sanger, Atkin, Lumholtz, and recently several 

 writers in the Melbourne Aiistralasian) and their power of with- 

 standing droughts ; and though the identification of the species, 

 and more detailed information are desirable, yet, in the absence of 

 more definite knowledge, it would be rash to suppose that, though 

 probably most flourishing and abundant in proximity to the 

 rivers, frogs are unable to exist at any considerable distance from 

 these even in the driest parts of the colony. Moreover, floods, 

 particularly such a memorable flood as that of this year, during 

 which in places the Darling is said to have been from twenty to 

 forty miles wide, probably exercise a not inconsiderable distri- 

 buting and replenishing influence, and do much to counteract the 

 evil effects of a succession of prolonged dry seasons. Indeed it 

 is much to be desired that naturalists who have the chance would 

 give us some detailed information based on personal observations 

 as to the more obvious general eflfects of a succession of dry 

 seasons followed by a big flood on the fauna of particular 

 districts. 



In conclusion I have to thank very warmly the several gentle- 

 men mentioned, who by much personal inconvenience in conveying 

 jai's of spirit long distances, and by taking so much trouble to 

 preserve specimens, have enabled me to record so many interesting 

 species from new habitats. The correct determination of the 

 species may be relied on as Mr. G. A. Boulenger, of the British 

 Museum, has most kindly given me the benefit of his knowledge 

 and experience in all cases about which I had any doubt ; and 

 therefore to him also I beg to express my cordial thanks. 



