The Frog, 

 II. Batrachian 



505 



THE FKOG. (Eana temporaria.) 



WHEN this reptile issues from the egg it is merely a black, 

 oval mass, with a slender tail. This tadpole, as it is then 

 called, is the embryo of the Frog, and when it has at- 

 tained a certain size its body gradually acquires the form 

 of that of the Frog, its legs sprout from its sides, and 

 finally its tail is cast off. This metamorphosis is one of 

 the most curious in nature, and deserves our observation. 

 Like other reptiles, it is not necessary for it to breathe 

 in order to put its blood into circulation, as it has a 

 communication between the two ventricles of the heart. 

 It lives during spring in ponds, brooks, muddy ditches, 

 marshy grounds, and other watery places, in summer in 

 corn-fields and pasture land. Its voice proceeds from 

 two bladders, one on each side of the mouth, which it 

 can fill with wind. When it croaks, it puts its head out 



