AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. 93 
about 2%; greatest width of body 124; width of head opposite 
posterior margins of eyes greater than length of head by about 
diameter of tympanum; snout 134; eye 2%; mouth 1%; width 
of mouth 1%; interorbital space, measured from eye-sockets, 3; 
fore limb about 2% in head and trunk; hind limb when out- 
stretched greater than head and trunk by horizontal eye-diameter. 
Body robust, depressed, and with very evident swollen appear- 
ance, when viewed above slightly ovoid with bulge at pelvic 
processes and then rather well constricted back. Surface rather 
well-depressed both above and below, only slightly convex. 
Pelvic bones scarcely forming a protuberance on dorsal profile 
a trifle behind middle of length of head and trunk, or about °/, 
in this space, and processes very obsolete. Head moderate, 
broad, rather depressed both above and below, though upper sur- 
face altogether more evenly convex. Snout short, broad, bluntly 
convex, its length a little less than half its width, when viewed 
above broadly and rather evenly convex, and in profile forming 
an obtuse angle about opposite nostril, anterior portion of which 
is nearly vertical. Eye very prominent, well elevated, a little 
brownish marginally. Markings on flanks and upper surface of hind legs 
most brilliant. Feet and lower surface of all limbs more or less pale trans- 
lucent brownish. Fore feet a little whitish above. Upper border of elevated 
eye-socket with yellowish circle and tints of same along margins of jaws. 
Many of little tubercles on side with yellowish, producing a somewhat spotted 
appearance. Femoral region of hind limbs duller and more brownish above 
than rest of upper surface of same. Lower surface of body dull whitish, 
more or less soiled or livid on lower surface of pelvic region and hind legs. 
Edge of lower jaw pale or whitish. Iris and eye generally black, ring en- 
circling pupil of beautiful metallic gilt-like tint, and black of iris infringing 
irregularly in quarter divisions. This toad has a very peculiar habit of 
attempting to dig backwards by means of the black-edged spur on the hind 
foot, which it will rub rather fast and with good force against the palm if 
held in the hand. By a similar process it sinks into the ground or among 
grass. The eyes can be depressed considerably and give the head quite a 
different appearance if the animal is annoyed. It progressed usually by short 
hops or leaps, though sometimes crawled or walked slowly a few steps. In 
repose the usual position is to squat flat, and if then disturbed to inflate the 
flanks greatly. When held in the hand it uttered a note similar to the call 
of Rana clamata, which may be said to somewhat resemble a smothered 
rattle or trill of rather harsh and low tone. The throat is inflated, though 
not very abnormally. This note seems to be due rather to discomfort than 
anything else. In captivity I could not induce the specimen to eat. 
