18 BUFO AMERICANUS. 
row of black and white spots. The abdomen is granulated, and of a dirty 
yellowish-white. 
The anterior extremities are short; their upper surface dusky, with minute 
spots of white; the lower is of the same colour as the abdomen; the fingers are 
distinct, and not palmated. The posterior extremities are short, their superior 
surface ash-colour, with blotches and transverse bands of black, extending to the 
tarsus; the leg is shorter than the thigh; the toes are semi-palmated, and five 
in number; a large spade-like process occupies the place of a sixth, on the 
metatarsus, as in Scaphiopus. 
Dimensions. Length from snout to vent, 24 inches; of thigh, 1 inch; of leg, 
less than an inch; of tarsus and toes, 1 inch 6 lines. 
GrocrapuicaL Disrrisution. This is the most widely diffused of all the 
American toads. I have observed it from the mountains of Maine through all 
the Atlantic states. It is, however, remarkable that this animal leaves the sea 
shore in the south; for I have never met with it in the low country of South 
Carolina, although common in the upper districts of the state. Leconte has 
traced it along the western side of the Alleghanies, and in the valley of the 
Mississippl. 
Hasirs. This animal is very mild and timid, living under stones or dead or 
decaying trees, or in holes in the earth, and frequently making its way into 
cellars, and dark and lonely corners: as evening approaches, it issues from its 
place of concealment in search of insects, and at these times frequently falls a 
prey to snakes and owls. It may be brought to a partial state of domestication, 
and will swallow flies from the hand. 
Early in the spring these animals resort to shallow pools in great numbers, for 
the purpose of depositing their spawn, and at these times their music is very 
