88 RANA FONTINALIS. 



The anterior extremities are pale green above, yellowish-white below, with 

 irregular dark blotches on the posterior part of the arm and fore-arm; there are 

 four fingers, moderately long and not palmate, yellowish before and dusky 

 behind. The posterior extremities are very long, dark green above, with dusky 

 transverse bars or blotches; the inferior surface of the thigh is yellowy with its 

 posterior half granulated; the nates are mottled yellow and black; the inferior 

 surface of the leg is pale flesh colour, with a few minute black spots; there are 

 five very long and well palmated toes, but not to their tips, which, as well as 

 the webs, are lighter above and dusky below. 



Dimensions. Length from snout to vent, Sg inches; length of head, lOg lines; 

 length of thigh, 1 inch 4 lines; length of leg, 1 inch 4 lines; length of tarsus and 

 toes, 2 inches 5 lines: total length, from the snout to the tip of the toes, 8 inches 

 7 lines. 



Habits. The Rana fontinalis inhabits springs of cold water or the neighbour- 

 hood of running streams; it passes much of its time on land, but leaps into the 

 water when disturbed. Its food is small worms, or such insects as may come 

 within its reach — these it never seizes unless they are in motion. 



GEOGRAPfflCAL DISTRIBUTION. Thc Raua fontinalis is common from Maine to 

 Virginia, but I am not aware of its existence in the more southern or in the 

 western states. 



General Remarks. Leconte first pointed out the characters of this animal in 

 his "Remarks on the genus Hyla and Rana." Although he gave no description, 

 still the characters he assigns are sufficient easily to distinguish it; therefore his 

 name, which is a very good one, as giving the habits of the animal, must be 

 continued. 



Harlan next calls this animal Rana flavaviridis — a name that cannot be 

 retained, as Leconte's has the right of priority. 



