24 STORY OF THE AMPHIBIANS 



in birds and fishes. So the amphibians, being origi- 

 nally from the water, go back to it usually to bring 

 up their babes. 



In a general way water is necessary to the hatch- 

 ing of the amphibian egg and (since the young are 

 usually fishlike), to the rearing of the tadpoles. There 

 are a few exceptions to this now, though there was 

 doubtless a time when the whole class resorted to 

 water to lay eggs. In some cases, as on our dry 

 plains, frogs and salamanders depend upon little tem- 

 porary rain -pools in which to rear their young ; so 

 that here is one reason why amphibians should re- 

 joice at the prospect of a storm. 



Other Charming Features 



Having discussed the voice to call with and the 

 place to assemble at, let us notice other means of 

 charming or securing a mate among the amphibians. 



Frogs are especially active in making themselves 

 agreeable, though they do not resort to all the cere- 

 monies of the " best society." But besides music and 

 a decent bath the amphibians seem to condense our 

 bowing, dancing, and posing into some very extrava- 

 gant antics at times ; and on such occasions they sport 

 all the finery they can afford. 



Many of them in every-day life are exposed to 

 great dangers and must dress so as not to be seen 

 easily, as is the case with the toad and many which 

 are dull-colored ; but others that live among pretty 

 things can match their dresses (and their complex- 

 ions) to their surroundings, and yet remain pretty. 



