212 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



while Snakes are particularly partial to Frogs at any stage 

 of growth. Tadpoles are often spoken of as " Polly wogs," 

 by country children. 



SUMMARY OF STAGES IN DEVELOPMENT OF FROG TADPOLE. 



Hatched without mouth, eyes, gills, or ears. 



Develops external gills, mouth, and convoluted intes- 

 tine ; nostrils, eyes and ears. 



Loses sucker under head. 



External gills reach limit of size. 



Hind limbs begin to appear. 



External gills diminish ; Internal gills begin to form. 



Hind limbs fully-formed but small ; tail begins to diminish. 



External gills vanish; internal gills fully-formed. 



Front limbs form ; tail shortens rapidly. 



Intestine becomes shorter and straighter ; lungs enlarge. 



Heart becomes three-chambered ; lungs fully developed ; 

 gills vanish. 



COMMON FROG. Humanity owes a great debt of grati- 

 Rana temporaria. tude to the Frog, since to experiments 



conducted in covpove vili, many valuable 

 scientific discoveries are due. No description is necessary 

 of such a well-known animal, found generally in all 

 localities suited to its habits. Like other amphibians it 

 is nocturnal, and secludes itself during the day in 

 ditches, or amongst coarse herbage. Young Frogs often 

 remain in their native pond after acquiring lungs, especi- 

 ally if the weather be hot and dry, but the first heavy 

 shower happening towards the end of the day causes 

 them all to come forth together and start on their 

 wanderings over the face of the earth. On such an 

 occasion, it is no uncommon thing to find a country 



