198 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
of color the pattern becomes obscure or more prominent. Length 
of body, 2 inches; total length with hind limbs outstretched, 
4% inches. 
Range: The entire eastern and central portions of the United 
States, from Maine to Florida, and westward to Texas. 
Local Distribution: General and fairly abundant. 
The call of the Gray Tree Toad is a loud clattering sound, 
and resembles the scolding of a frightened chipmunk or red 
squirrel. It is said that the Tree Toad is particularly vociferous 
before a coming rain. Like other prognosticators of the weather, 
however, these creatures are quite unreliable. Their cries are 
FIG. 22. THE GRAY TREE TOAD 
From specimen in New York Zodlogical Park 
particularly frequent during the sultry intervals that follow a 
light summer shower. After the breeding season is over, this 
Tree Toad frequents trees and usually takes up its abode at some 
elevation above the ground. It is supposed to deposit its eggs 
during the latter part of May or early in June. Small weedy 
ponds are usually selected as breeding-places. The eggs hatch 
quickly and the transformation from the tadpole stage is rapid. 
The Salt-Marsh Frog, Rana virescens Kalm (Fig. 23), is of 
moderate size and rather slender form. Ground color bronze to 
olive or bright green, but always vividly marked with 
large and irregularly scattered round spots of dark 
brown or black; on the back several of these spots 
are very elongate. The spots are more regularly disposed on the 
hind limbs, and when the legs are flexed, they have a banded 
Salt-Marsh 
Frog. 
