THE BEAUTY OF THE NIGHT 357 



for the creature attains a length of eight inches 

 and is very massive. There are probably two 

 other Ranas which help to make up this summer 

 chorus in Lower Florida, one of them being a form 

 of the common, widely distributed green frog 

 (Rana virescens) the note of which consists of a 

 single syllable repeated several times, a sort of 

 "chock, chock." 



In all probability a part in this chorus is sung by 

 an animal that is neither frog nor toad but a sort 

 of intermediate (Scaphiopus holbrooki). It is 

 widely distributed in the Eastern and Southern 

 States and usually inhabits temporary pools 

 formed by heavy rains. It utters exceedingly 

 clear sharp silvery peeps in rapid succession when- 

 ever it is disturbed. Abbott says of this wonder- 

 ful musician: "The machinery for producing 

 sounds is equal to an ordinary steam whistle and 

 is apparently confined to the throat." The notes 

 are so strong and clear that they may be heard 

 from a train as it rushes by, and one is inclined to 

 believe it to be the song of some bird.* 



Some of the music of this nocturnal serenade 

 may be produced by the tree frogs. In the great 

 chorus I have sometimes distinguished as many as 



