156 NEW YORK (ZOOLOGICAL (SOCIETY: 
Sern acaPh ELWIN R. SANBORN. 
HORNED “ TOAD.” 
Several species which inhabit our Western deserts. 
open-mouthed, awaiting an opportunity to close with bull-dog 
tenacity upon an offending object. On several occasions when 
endeavoring to extract poison from these lizards, the writer has 
been unable to provoke them to bite, but after giving them a 
sun-bath for a few moments had considerable difficulty in disen- 
gaging their jaws from the glass vessel in which the fluid was 
collected, although the temperature of the outside air and sun- 
light which had aroused such hostility differed but slightly from 
the warm air of their indoor cages. 
While discussing the effects of captivity upon the Lacertilians, 
the writer is prompted to explain the results of his experiments 
with Horned “Toads” (Phrynosoma), which although possibly 
not strictly germane to the subject is nevertheless of interest. 
These investigations were made to discover if possible the extent 
to which the various species of Horned “Toads” evince the al- 
leged remarkable habit of ejecting jets of blood from the corners 
of the eyes, when annoyed. Various disputes have arisen over 
the possibility of this occurrence. Over two hundred specimens, 
representing different species, were examined. These were teased 
and provoked most persistently by the writer and the keepers, but 
without result. Their general attitude at such times was to feign 
death, with closed eyes. They seldom attempted to bite, but 
when placed on the ground would make off with a great show of 
speed. 
