96 RANA PALUSTRIS. 



The superior surface of the body is pale brown, almost covered by oblong 

 square spots of veiy dark brown, arranged symmetrically in two lines along the 

 back: we sometimes find two of these squares confluent. A bright yellow longi- 

 tudinal line, but not raised in a cutaneous fold, as in Rana halecina, begins behind 

 each orbit, and extends to the posterior extremity of the body; below this line, on 

 each flank, are two other rows of square brown spots, the superior row beginning 

 on a level with and behind the tympanum; the inferior row is less regular, 

 frequently consisting only of small spots, disposed without order. The inferior 

 surface of the neck and abdomen is yellowish-white, except at the posterior 

 part, where the yellow is more decided. 



The anterior extremities are short, yellowish-brown above, marked with a few 

 very dark blotches; their lower surface is silver-white; the fingers are four in 

 number, free, of a light brown colour on the upper, and yellow on the lower surface. 

 The posterior extremities are very long, brownish above, with transverse bands of 

 dark brown continued to the toes; the inferior and posterior parts of the thigh are 

 granulated, and of a bright yellow, with black spots; the inferior surface of the 

 leg and tarsus is yellow. The toes are palmated, but the web does not reach 

 their tips, and the fourth toe is longest. 



Dimensions. Length of the body and head, 2f inches; of the thigh, ItV inches; 

 of the leg, I2 inches; of the tarsus and toes, 2t7 inches. 



Geographical Distribution. This animal is found in the Atlantic states from 

 Maine to Virginia, which state must be considered for the present its southern 

 hmit. Leconte has observed that it is the only one of our frogs that frequents 

 the neighbourhood of salt marshes, hence its name palustris. It is however by 

 no means confined to such situations, being common throuahout the interior 

 of the northern and eastern states. I have observed it among the White Moun- 

 tains of New Hampshire, in Massachusetts and Vermont, and in the valley of 

 the Connecticut. 



