1g15.] C. R. NARAYAN Rao: Some South Indian Batrachia. 37 
the rows of horny teeth, the first two rows are nearly 
equal, while the third is only slightly shorter than either 
the first or the second. 
(7) The total length of Mr. Ferguson’s specimens is 41 mm. 
The maximum length of my specimens exceeds this by at 
least 9 mm. 
Habits of the Adult. 
The adult frog is thoroughly terrestrial and the burrowing 
habits have produced an external appearance not unlike that of 
Cacopus systoma: a rounded snout, small mouth, a stout body, 
short hind limbs, a powerful metatarsal tubercle and very slight 
web. It leads a solitary life and congregates only during the 
pairing season. A light vertebral line is present in most specimens 
and its occurrence is purely arbitrary. It is not one of the 
concert-giving frogs like R. cyanopilyctis and the call notes may 
be expressed by the short syllables ‘‘ Rut-Rut-Rut,” uttered in 
quick succession. The batrachian is entirely nocturnal in its 
habits and young frogs stand captivity much better than adult 
examples. 
II. 't The Distribution and Habits of Bufo fergusoni. 
This little toad has been described by Dr. G. A. Boulenger, 
CieEANcHS. Vol VEL; Dp. 317). 
In the article quoted above (viz. ‘‘A list of Travancore 
Batrachians’’), Mr. Ferguson makes the following remark in the 
opening lines: ‘‘ There have been so far thirty-four species of 
Batrachians described as occurring in Travancore, three of which 
have not been found elsewhere as yet They are Rana aurantiaca, 
Ixalus travancoricus and Bufo ferguson:”’ (J.B N.H.S., Vol. XV, - 
1904, Pp. 499). 
I have no doubt that this species of Bufo enjoys a much 
wider distribution. In 1903, two specimens were taken in the 
compound of the then residence of Dr. William Miller in Nungam- 
bakam, Madras; one of which was sent to Dr. G. A. Boulenger, who 
in acknowledging receipt of the toad, mentions that it is also 
known from Ceylon. Since then specimens have been obtained 
from S. Malabar and the outlying districts of Mysore. It is pos- 
sible that the little toad may be found in North India, though, 
however, its occurrence is not yet reported.! 
The following is a short account of the observations made on 
the habits of this animal. It is entirely nocturnal and does not 
_ appear to occur in any large numbers and is certainly one of the 
rare toads. When given loose earth, it burrows with great ease. 
It feeds almost exclusively on termites. It does not touch 
black ants, smaller beetles and earthworms which form the staple 
1 { think that this toad is replaced in Northern India by Bb. stomaticus, 
Luitken.—J. A. 
