THE EDIBLE FROG. 59 



Boulenger's synopsis of the species is, Fingers blunt, of 

 moderate length, the first extending a little beyond the second ; 

 toes entirely webbed ; tympanum distinct, two-thirds the size of 

 the eye ; a glandular lateral fold narrower than the upper eyelid ; 

 vomeric teeth ; the upper parts more or less spotted or marbled 

 with black, or a very dark brown ; the hinder sides of the thighs 

 also marbled. 



The male of 7?. esculenta has a curious inflatable pouch on each 

 side of its head, which is very conspicuous in the breeding 

 season. These prominences, which impart a very grotesque 

 appearance to the frog, are called vocal sacs, and give power to 

 the voice, more power than is quite agreeable in places where 

 Esculenta congregates ; its croak is voted a nuisance by those who 

 dwell within hearing. 



The edible frog of England is somewhat less than its French 

 relatives, which furnish a favourite dish at table. One in America 

 is larger than either. The legs only are eaten, being as big as 

 those of a young chicken, and indeed might be mistaken for such. 

 On the prairies, near Chicago, is a very large frog which is 

 brought to market. At an hotel there I once partook of a fricassee 

 of frogs' legs, asking no questions when the dish was handed to 

 'me, but which, on eating, I found to be rather insipid, and 

 remarked to a friend, " What a pity to kill such very young 

 chickens ! " 



Jmx 



Et 



del p e ** fa od n 



a, % 



Fig. 24. Upper or exterior surface. Fig. 25. Lower or interior surface. 



EXPLANATION OF BONES OF FROG'S SKULL. 

 (Membrane bones of one side removed in each case.) 



Ocl, exoccipital ; Pe, Petrosal (prootic) ; Et, girdle-bone or sphen-ethmoid ; Ty, 

 tympanic ; Fp, fronto-parietal ; J, quadrato-jugal ; MX, maxillary ; Jinx, prcemaxillary ; 

 TV, nasal ; Ps, parasphenoid (from the wedge shape) ; Pf, pterygoid ; PI, palatine ; 

 V, vomer. 



