NORTH AMERICAN 



HERPETOLOGY 



Family III. BUFONOIDEA. 



CHARACTERS. 



1. The head varies greatly in size and form; it may be pointed or truncated, 



smooth, or elevated in crests. 



2. The upper jaw and palate, with one or two exceptions only, are entirely 



destitute of teeth. 



3. The tongue is long, without a notch at its posterior extremity. 



4. The extremities vary in size, but there are always four fingers, free, and five 



toes, palmated or not. 



5. Most animals of this family have on their plantar surface a tubercle, sometimes 



greatly developed, which, from its position, resembles a sixth toe. 



Remarks. The animals of this family seldom leave their retreats until the grey 

 Vol. v.— 2 



