BUF0. 



221 



curved, directed obliquely backwards, expanded at both 

 extremities; no omosternum ; sternum an elongate 

 cartilaginous plate expanded distally, calcified along 

 the middle in adult specimens. Supra-scapula nearly 

 entirely ossified. Humerus once and two-fifths to once 

 and a half as long as radius-ulna, w T ith strong crest ; 

 both bones with calcified epiphyses. Six bones in the 

 carpus, three in contact with radius-ulna ; a single 

 bone to the pollex. 



Pelvis two-thirds or rather more than two-thirds 

 the length of the vertebral column ; ilia subcylindrical 

 at their free ends, which are covered by the dia- 

 pophyses of the sacral vertebra ; pubis ossified or 

 calcined, entering the acetabulum. Femur moderately 

 curved, as long as or slightly longer than tibia-fibula ; 

 both bones with calcified epiphyses ; astragalus and 

 calcaneum subequal in length, united at both ends by 

 a common calcified epiphysis; the tarsus not quite 

 half as long' as the femur. Three distal tarsals, and 

 two bones to the praehallux. Distal phalanges obtuse, 

 slightly expanded at the apex. 



Measurements of Skeleton (in millimetres). 



Habits — The Common Toad is a terrestrial and 

 crepuscular Batrachian, living in holes and crevices, 

 and issuing forth at dusk in search of insects, worms, 

 and slugs, which it catches, after careful aiming, 

 accompanied by nervous movements of the tips of the 



