194 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
across the eye and thence along the greater length of the body. 
The abdomen is whitish, with a few scattered black dots. Length 
of body, 175 inches; total length, with hind limbs outstretched, 
24 inches. 
Range: This is essentially a western species. It is very 
abundant in the northwestern portion of the United States, east 
of the Rocky Mountains, whence it extends southward into 
Texas. The range extends eastward in the shape of a narrowing 
band which terminates in central and southern New Jersey. In 
this apex of its eastern distribution the species is common, es- 
pecially in the swampy areas of the barrens of the southwestern 
part of the State. 
Local Distribution: Mr. W. D. W. Miller has taken many 
specimens near Plainfield, N. J. 
Like other species of the Hylide, this creature leaves its 
winter quarters early and gathers about shallow pools and 
ditches to breed. It is not an agile swimmer, since the hind feet 
are not webbed. If alarmed when near the water, it wriggles 
its way into the marginal vegetation so quickly that it is difficult 
to capture. Its cry is a sharp trill like that of the Cricket Frog. 
Pickering’s Tree Toad, or “Peeper,” Hyla pickering: Storer 
(Fig. 20), isa very small animal. The body is pale brown above 
with distinct, narrow markings on the back which 
assume the form of an X on the upper portion of the 
back, behind which is a A-shaped marking. At the 
end of the body there is another mark, similar to the latter, but 
of about half the size. A similar mark with the point directed 
backwards occurs behind the eyes. A band of the same dark 
color that constitutes the markings on the back extends from 
the snout across the eye, and thence down the side to a short 
distance behind the fore limb. The hind limbs are banded. 
Beneath, the color is yellowish white. 
Although the color-pattern is generally pronounced, and the 
usual colors of the species are as described, this individual 
varies greatly in color, not only in different individuals but also 
in the same individual at different times. The writer has ob- 
served specimens of normal colors change to pale gray, and 
Pickering’s 
Tree Toad. 
