68 



GUIDE TO REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. 



cana, 544, fig- t'*^), representing the Pipidm, is quite toothless, and has 

 each front-toe terminating in a kind of star ; the fore-toes being free 

 and the hind-ones webbed. The shape of this Toad is very peculiar, 

 the head being depressed and triangular, and the eyes minute. In 

 both sexes the skin is covered with tubercles ; and in the breeding 



Fig. 68. 



A Female Suriuam Toad [Pipa americana) with young emergiug from 

 the hrooding pouches of the back. (No. 544-) 



season the skin of the back of the female assumes a spongy structure 

 and forms pouches for the reception of- the eggs, which are put in 

 position by the male. Eventually each egg becomes completely 

 concealed in its pouch, which is furnished with a lid ; and in these 

 pouches the young undergo their development, until they make their 

 appearance as fully-formed Toads. In habits the Surinam Toad is 

 completely aquatic. 



