94 RANAPALUSTRIS. 



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-broAvn 

 above, marked with a few very dark blotches; their lower surface is silvery white; 

 the fingers are four in number, light brown on the upper, and yellow on the lower 

 surface. The posterior extremities are very long, bro^vnish 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. 



Dimensions. Length of the body and head, 2| inches; of the thigh, Its inches; 

 of the leg, 1^ inches; of the tarsus and toes, 2to 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 

 limit. 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 throughout the middle and north- 

 eastern States. I have observed it among the White Hills of New Hampshire, 

 and in Massachusetts and Vermont, in the valley of the Connecticut. 



Habits. The Rana palustris is very similar in its habits to the Rana halecina; 

 it is generally found in the neighbourhood of ponds or rivers, yet I have often seen 

 it in the morning after heavy dews, at a great distance from water. 



General Remarks. Leconte first called the attention of Naturalists to this 

 Frog, and established it as a distinct species, under the name of Rana palustris. 

 It is singular that this very common animal should have been so long overlooked, 

 and especially by so accurate a Naturalist as Kalm: it may have been confounded 

 with R. halecina, but may be distinguished by the more obtuse head, the absence 

 of cuticular folds on the back, the different form of the spots, and by its peculiar 

 odour. 



