Allen.] 194 [December 2, 



later, in consequence of the constant low temperature of the water, 

 though ordinarily hatching in eix or eight days.^ 



In respect to the appearance of the other Bance, our observations 

 agree very well with those of Mr. Putnam, except in reference to R. 

 Jialecina, which he notes as appearing four days in advance of E. 

 sylvatica, and as the first species of Rana seen that season. It is evi- 

 dent that the observations of a single season, or those made at one 

 locality, cannot be satisfactory on such points, as the results must vary 

 with the peculiarities of each, as well as with the carefulness of the 

 observer. In noting the temperature of the water at this season, the 

 varying temperature obtained within the distance of a few yards at 

 the same time of observation, as given in the above records, shows the 

 insufficiency of single or careless observations ; the shelter afforded 

 by even leafless trees materially diminishes radiation, as it also retards 

 during the day the passage of solar heat. 



The present year Hyla Pickeringii was as abundant in the marshes. 

 May 14th, as at any time earlier. Before the first of June, however, 

 they generally begin to disperse, and occur during the summer almost 

 everywhere on the growing herbage, though rather more numerously 

 in damp localities. I have found them on bushes, and they probably 

 also ascend trees, though I have found them by far the most abundant 

 in rank grass. Later in the season, and especially during the month 

 of September, their peculiar notes may be occasionally noticed, 

 though they are not uttered very frequently, nor with any regularity ; 

 and are, moreover, widely different from their well-known, reiterated 

 peep heard from the marshes in the pairing season. They seem to 

 delight in the cool, damp weather produced by the early fall rains, 

 their notes being heard not unfrequently when the temperature of the 

 air is below 50°, and as early as 9 A. M., after quite hard frosts, and 

 in localities far from brooks or marshes. At this season, by a little 

 careful searching, I have frequently gathered a number of specimens 

 in a short time, notwithstanding that their diminutive size renders 

 them such inconspicuous objects. 



It seems very remarkable that a species so abundant as this should 

 have so long remained unknown to naturalists. It was first described, 

 as a distinct species, by Dr. Holbi'ook, in his North American Her- 



1 For almost the first published data on the time of appearance and spawning, and 

 the length of time required for the hatching of the eggs of our different species of 

 toads and frogs, see some valuable notes on the Toads and Frogs found about Cam- 

 bridge, Mass., by Mr. F. W. Putnam, in these Proceedings, Vol. IX, p. 229. 



