FROGS 



J03 



course of events these frogs retire to winter-quarters in October, where they 

 hibernate in company with others of their kind, reappearing again in the middle 

 < ir end of April ; their quarters consisting of hiding - places under roots of 

 trees, tufts of grass, heaps of stone, manure-heaps, or holes in the ground, never 

 made by themselves. They are clever swimmers, and avoid danger by diving 

 quickly. On land they move in short, hasty leaps, the movements being very 

 hurried in time of fear or danger, and in consequence often appearing clumsy: 

 if speed cannot save them, they either throw themselves on their backs, or bend 

 back the neck as if they had spasms, clasping the front legs behind the neck, 

 and in this strange position showing the gaudy red and yellow of their under- 



KIRE-BELLIED FROGS. 



parts, which evidently serve to frighten away many enemies by which they would 

 otherwise be attacked. When frightened or disturbed they eject from the glands 

 of their back and legs a white soap-like, strongly smelling fluid, which has been 

 known to kill other frogs and newts that have come in contact with it when 

 carried in the same bag. Lying with outstretched legs flat on the surface of the 

 water, the head appearing above the surrounding plants, these frogs utter melodious 

 sounds quite different from those of other species ; the faint but distinct sounds 

 deceiving many as to the whereabouts of the singer. The voice of the plains 

 form is somewhat louder and clearer than that of the mountain-race, although 

 not so often heard: but the "song" of both is composed of an oft-repeated Ong 

 ong, Ung ang, each frog having its own tones, higher or lower according to its 

 age or size, so that their united efforts resemble a distant peal of bells. 



