13 BUFO AMERICANUS. 



row of black and white spots. The abdomen is granulated, and of a dirty 

 yellowish-white. 



The anterior extremities are short; their upper surface dusky, with minute 

 spots of white; the lower is of the same colour as the abdomen; the fingers are 

 distinct, and not palmated. The posterior extremities are short, their superior 

 surface ash-colour, with blotches and transverse bands of black, extending to the 

 tarsus; the leg is shorter than the thigh; the toes are semi-palmated, and five 

 in number; a large spade-like process occupies the place of a sixth, on the 

 metatarsus, as in Scaphiopus. 



Dimensions. Length from snout to vent, 2? inches; of thigh, 1 inch; of leg, 

 less than an inch; of tarsus and toes, 1 inch 6 lines. 



Geographical Distribution, This is the most widely diffused of all the 

 American toads. I have observed it from the mountains of Maine through all 

 the Atlantic states. It is, however, remarkable that this animal leaves the sea 

 shore in the south; for I have never met with it in the low country of South 

 Carolina, although common in the upper districts of the state. Leconte has 

 traced it along the western side of the Alleghanies, and in the valley of the 

 Mississippi. 



Habits. This animal is very mild and tmiid, living under stones or dead or 

 decaying trees, or in holes in the earth, and frequently making its way into 

 cellars, and dark and lonely corners: as evening approaches, it issues from its 

 place of concealment in search of insects, and at these times frequently falls a 

 prey to snakes and owls. It may be brought to a partial state of domestication, 

 and will swallow flies from the hand. 



Early in the spring these animals resort to shallow pools in great numbers, for 

 the purpose of depositing their spawn, and at these times their music is very 



