18 THE ANOURA OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 



coloied specimens of the Bull-trog, R. caksliana Shiiw, whose 

 sombre dress is likely attributable to the same influence. That 

 they are inferior in size and less robust than specimens found in 

 springs and spring brooks is probably the eflect of a poorer diet 

 and longer and severer periods of hibernation. 



Generally distributed throughout the maritime provinces, 

 including P. E. Island. Uncommon on the Gaspe peninsula, 

 where its congener, R. septenrionalis, seems to replace it. 



Rana catesbiana Shaw. 



The Bull-frog. 



The Bull- frog is the largest and most aquatic of the Ranidse 

 found in North America, and is very generally distributed in the 

 province, attaining. its greatest' size and most vigorous develop- 

 ment in the forest lakes of the interior. It was formerly well 

 represented on the lakes and streams tributary to the lower St. 

 John; but has grown quite scarce since the introduction of the 

 Eastern Pickerel, Esox reticulata^ Le Sueur, which devours it and 

 the Spring Frog to such an extent as to render them even rare 

 where they were a few years ago abundant. It is more gregari- 

 ous than the Spring Frog. Indeed it is hardly ever found along 

 the shores of large lacustrine areas except in colonies, which af- 

 fect shallow marshy places where the necessary warmth and food 

 can readily be obtained. Here they attain a large size. In the 

 Little South West Miramichi Lake, in the Squattook Lakes drain- 

 ed by the Madawaska, and from other lacustrine waters, the 

 writer has collected scores of specimens measuiing seveli inches 

 in length of body and head, and from fifteen to sixteen from tip 

 of muzzle to the toe of extended hind leg. Such examples are 

 dark and pustular, approximating in this manner to R. clamata. 

 The body is broad and stout ; the limbs short and thick. 



. It is no uncommon thing to meet with individuals with dor- 

 sal parts of a rusty brown colour, or the whole upper surface pale 

 green with small black spots. The latter are probably young. 



Being entirely aquatic the Bull-frog necessarily varies much 

 according to locality. Reference has already been made to small 

 black individuals associated with R. nigricans, whereas on grassy 

 shores or in shallow water with weedy bottom there is always 



