I. 



THE FROG {Ra7ia teinporarta and Rana esculenta). 



The only species of Frog indigenous in Britain is that termed 

 the 'common' or 'Grass Frog' {Rana temporaria)^ while, on 

 the Continent, there is, in addition to this, another no less 

 abundant species, the hind-limbs of which are considered a 

 delicacy, whence it has received the name of the 'Edible 

 Frog' {Rana esculenta). Unless the contrary be expressly 

 stated, the description here given applies to both species. 

 The Edible Frog is usually larger than the other, and is 

 therefore more convenient for most anatomical and physio- 

 logical purposes. 



In the body of the Frog the head and trunk are readily 

 distinguishable; but there is no tail and no neck; the con- 

 tours of the head pass gradually into those of the body, the 

 fore-limbs being situated immediately behind the former. 

 There are two pairs of limbs, one anterior and one 

 posterior. 



The whole body is invested by a smooth moist integument. 

 The yellowish ground-colour of the skin is diversified by 

 patches of a more or less intense black, brown, greenish, or 

 reddish-yellow colour, and, in the Grass Frog, there is a 

 large, -deep brown or black patch on each side of the head, 

 behind the eyes, which is very characteristic of the species. 

 The coloration of different frogs of the same species differs 

 widely; and the same frog will be found to change its colour, 



^r M. I 



