FROGS. 315 
ponds, running streams, marshes, and even small pools of water. 
They are not only most active animals, but also exceedingly 
timid and wary. He who has been attracted to the water’s edge 
by the sound of their strange voices, will be surprised, if he be 
ignorant of the habits of these creatures, to see on his arrival 
there little or no signs of Batrachian life, for on the very 
suspicion of danger they will have dived into the water, not to 
reappear until all signs of an enemy have gone. The wise observer, 
however, will conceal himself and remain perfectly still for a 
fairly long time, and he will be rewarded for his patience and 
caution by seeing these beautiful Batrachians gradually one by 
one emerge from their hiding places. Then, if he wishes to make 
any captures, he must summon all his activity and adroitness. 
The spawn of R. esculenta is generally attached to the weeds 
and stones under the water, and is not often seen upon its surface, 
like that of the Common Frog. F 
The Edible Frog may be readily known from &. temporaria by 
the absence of the dark-coloured patch on the temples, which has 
given to the latter animal the specific name of temporaria. 
Of R. esculenta the tympanum is distinct and nearly as large 
as the eye. The toes are entirely webbed. There is a prominent 
glandular lateral fold. The upper parts of the animal’s body are 
generally of a rich bright green colour, spotted irregularly with 
dark brown or black. On the back, as a rule, there are three 
light-coloured streaks. The hinder parts of the thighs are striped 
and marbled with black. The head and body of the Edible Frog 
measure more than 3in. in length. It is rather a longer and 
narrower animal than R. temporaria. The fore limbs measure 
about ldin., and the hind ones about 43in. These Frogs, which 
have generally been imported, may be bought for 6d. each 
during the spring and summer months. 
The American Green Frog (Rana halecina) is more than a 
little like the last-mentioned Batrachian, &. esculenta, which is 
not a native of the New World. R. halecina is occasionally 
brought into this country, where it lives well while in confine- 
ment. It is an inhabitant of North and Central America. 
The American Green Frog has a moderately-sized head and a 
pointed snout. Its tympanum is distinct, and almost as large as 
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