UNKNOWN TONGUES. 263 



males call out their classic Brekekekex, co-ax, co-ax ! whilst 

 the females only hum in low, humble tones. First, the 

 leader's loud, coarse voice breaks forth in solemn into- 

 nation; then the others, sitting in a wide circle around 

 him, follow in long responses; and at last, from far and 

 near, from every pond and every puddle, their deep-toned 

 voices are heard in one mighty chorus. It is the mere 

 outbreak of joy and delight; they know neither melody 

 nor order. Each sings as he likes best, at his own time 

 and in his own particular key. They are, apparently, 

 vastly amused at their own great talkative powers ; for, 

 every now and then, they break out in the happiest laugh- 

 ter known in animal creation. Its gusts are so sudden, 

 its tones so boisterous and loud as if they would burst 

 with sheer happiness and joy. When they assemble in 

 large numbers, as the tree-frogs love to do in Paramaibo, 

 and the countless hosts of common frogs on the banks 

 of the Wolga and the Caspian Sea, they absolutely drown 

 every other noise. There millions join in the fearfully 

 monotonous concerts, until the earth trembles, and for 

 miles no sound is heard but their own hoarse croaking. 

 Although they all have one voice for the concert and 

 another for family matters, their note is nearly the same 

 all over the world only in South America, we are told, 

 a tinier frog will sit on a blade of grass, a little above 

 the surface of the water, and utter a pleasing chirp, which 

 joined by others, has the effect of a harmony of different 

 notes. The bullfrog's deep, disproportionate voice has 

 frightened many an innocent wanderer from Europe; he 

 seems to enjoy the sport, too, for he grows the louder 



