Preface 



In 1930, while preparing a monograph and also an illustrated key 

 of North American frogs, we resolved on a small book as a guide for 

 teachers, students, and even younger naturalists. Of each species, 

 there is a plate of photographs from life and a two-page resume of its 

 characters and habits. The plates and script are meant to cultivate an 

 interest in the lay mind and help the beginner in his or her quests. 

 Several species which since 1930 have appeared in the United States 

 or Canada, we have been unable to illustrate, e.g., Bufo americanus 

 copei. We have, however, attempted to illustrate all subspecies 

 whether they be on slender or firm grounds. Pictures from life of 

 many of these debatable forms have never been presented before. 

 Even though it may eventually prove there is one meadow frog, yet 

 the four forms are presented; even though only one or two forms of 

 Pseudacris nigrita may be good, yet all five subspecies appear herein. 

 The pictures from life may help to stimulate an elucidation of some of 

 these moot questions in our knowledge. 



The photographs are largely new and not from our previous pub- 

 lications, and are the work of the authors. In the species accounts there 

 occasionally appears a croaker, a tadpole or an egg photograph 

 formerly used in the Frogs of the Okefinokee Swamp. Such pictures 

 were taken by F. Harper and the authors. Many of the frogs were 

 photographed in a jar of water and the water line is evident on the 

 fore part of the body or on either side of the head. 



While this work was going through the press, the third edition 

 ( T 933) of Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles by 

 L. Stejneger andT. Barbour appeared. The Check List indicates that 

 the range of Hyla graciiipes extends from southern Arizona south- 

 ward. We overlooked this statement in Dr. Kellogg's (1932) paper and 

 this species does not appear in this work. 



