PREFACE. 



The Batrachia and Reptilia of the State of Indiana form the subjects 

 of the following pages. In the body of this work I have endeavored to 

 include all the species known to inhabit the State, and to exclude all 

 that are not known to occur within our limits. Since, however, there 

 are several species which are, judging from their geographical distribu- 

 tion, likely hereafter to be taken within the State, I have added their 

 names in an appendix. 



Of all the species mentioned in this paper I have given as accurate 

 descriptions as I have been able to prepare ; and I have endeavored to 

 state also the most important facts known regarding their habits. It is to 

 be hoped that this endeavor will incite others to study our lower vertebrates 

 with respect to their manner of life, since too little is known about even 

 the commonest species. 



I am indebted to many friends for aid in preparing this work, so many 

 that I can not here mention all their names. Under each species I have 

 tried to give due credit for specimens and notes. I must here, however, 

 acknowledge the liberality of Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Curator of Rep- 

 tiles in the National Museum, Washington, D. C, in giving me free 

 access to the large collections there ; also the kindness of Prof. B. W. 

 Evermann, who allowed me to examine a considerable collection made by 

 himself, mostly in the vicinity of Terre Haute. This collection is the 

 property of the State Normal School. To Prof. S. S. Gorby I owe the op- 

 portunity to examine the specimens in the State Museum. Some years 

 ago I had occasion to study a collection made at New Harmony by the 

 late Mr. James Sampson, of that place. For the opportunity of doing this 

 I am indebted to Prof. John CoUett. The writings of Agassiz, Cope and 

 other naturalists have been consulted in the earnest desire to obtain 

 a correct idea of our batrachian and reptilian fauna. Nevertheless, I 

 have at times doubtless fallen into error. 



