BRITISH AMPHIBIANS 
In due course, as the tadpole develops, the hind pair of 
legs first make their appearance. Then there is a halt. 
Later, it will be observed, if a close watch is kept, that the 
tail shows signs of disappearing. It does not drop off, 
or wither up, but Nature has provided that it shall become 
absorbed, and afford sustenance to the little creature in 
setting up the necessary life-motion to bring forth a 
second (and front) pair of legs. When these hind 
legs show themselves, the tail has become a mere pointed 
stump, and the bull-dog appearance of the head, as well 
as the fat under parts, have given place to the familiar 
baby Frog known to all who live in the country (See 
Figs. 9 to 17). Sometimes the little fellows come to 
land, for the gills have now disappeared and lungs have 
been formed, still bearing a remnant tail behind them, 
but it soon disappears altogether. A capital account of 
the disappearance of the tail of the Frog is given by 
P. M. S. in the Glasgow Citizen as follows :— 
“‘ Everyone is conversant with the outward appearance 
of the Frog in its tadpole phase, but the manner of the 
metamorphosis which takes place within, as it passes 
from the minus-forelegs-plus-tail state to the plus- 
forelegs-minus-tail one, is not so well known. 
“The relatively large amount of reserve protoplasm 
which is stored in the caudal part, is gradually transferred 
to the other structures, and especially to the upbuilding 
of the anterior appendages. 
“The work is in the hands of a most energetic and 
capable company of removal contractors, in the form 
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