211 



then retracting. During the process of swallowing, there was 

 a free flow of saliva, but the serpent did not lick the animal nor 

 cover it with saliva as may be the case when swallowing larger 

 animals. The whole process was concluded, and the animal in 

 the stomach of the serpent at 10 minutes before 2 o'clock, or in 

 50 minutes. The feat appeared to have been easily accom- 

 plished, and there is no doubt that he could have swallowed a 

 much larger animal. The points most worthy of notice are the 

 seizure by both extremities of the Boa, and the free flow of 

 saliva, instead of the process of licking the victim, as is described. 



The Committee on the Library presented a report on 

 the proposed change in the windows of the library room. 

 Referred to the Council. 



June 20, 1855. 



Dr. C. T. Jackson, Vice-President, in the Chair. 



Dr. Durkee gave an account of some of the habits of 

 the common Bull-frog, (Rana pipiens,) several of which 

 animals he had been watching at his house during the last 

 few weeks. 



The animal exhibits a remarkable degree of precaution in 

 seizing its food. If a living worm, or a dead one in motion, is 

 placed in his way, he darts at it, thrusts out his tongue so as just 

 to touch the worm, and then retreats. If every thing appears 

 favorable, he soon returns, with a bold spring, and seizes his 

 prey. He then holds it between his jaws for a few moments 

 before swallowing it, the worm during this time struggling to 

 escape. He uses the fingers of both his anterior extremities 

 with admirable dexterity and effect, in getting the worm fairly 

 into the cavity of his mouth, and retaining it in the centre. At 

 the moment of degluthion, he closes his eyes and stretches him- 

 self upwards. The frog exhibits extreme nervous susceptibility. 

 If a worm or bug crawls sufliiciently near to touch him, he be- 



