410 



VKliTEBllATA. 



THE EDIBLE FROG OF EUROPE. 



Among the numerous frogs in this country we need but notice the most remarkable species. 

 The Bull-Frog, R. pipicns, six to tAvelve inches long, is notorious for its loud croakings, often 

 heard for a mile. It is entirely aquatic, though it commonly rests on the banks of the lakes and 

 rivers it inhabits. In the tadpole state it feeds on vegetable substances ; when adult, it devours 

 insects, crawtish, and small fish. It is generally distributed throughout the Union. The Large 

 Northern Bull-Frog, i?. Horiconensis, is found in Lake George. 



The Spring Frog, Ji. fontinalis, is, three to four inches long ; brilliant green above, belly pearly 

 white ; lives in the vicinity of clear pools and clear running streams ; feeds on water-insects 

 and others ; is the earliest to appear in spring ; found in the Northern and Middle States. 



The Marsh Frog, H. palustris, is a beautiful and active species, but the flesh has a disagree- 

 able odor. It is used for fish-bait, and is called the Pickerel-Frog ; also the Tiger and Leopard- 

 Frog, on account of its markings. It is three inches long : found from Maine to Virginia. 



Other northern species are the Shad-Frog, R. kalecina, and the AVood-Frog, R. sylvatica. 



Genus SCAPHIOPUS : Scaphiopus. — This includes the Hermit Spade-Foot, S. solitarius, 

 liaving the teeth of a frog and the parotid glands of a toad. It is two inches long ; lives in 

 small holes, which it excavates in damp earth ; feeds on insects ; found from Massachusetts to 

 the Carolinas. 



In the Southern States there are several genera of Ranidae, the species of which abound in the 

 swamps, ponds, and rivers. The clamor of these in the spring-time, as evening approaches, affords 

 one of the most extraordinary concerts that can be conceived. The mingling of the voices, some 

 loud and hoarse, some fine and piping, some slow, and some fast, produces a strange and not un- 

 pleasing harmony, proceeding from discord and confusion. Some of the performers in the sere- 

 nade, as if anxious to obtain applause, send forth their jigging and jerking melodies high above 

 the general din, and he must be a stern man who, on hearing them for the first time, fails to 

 break out into a hearty laugh. 



THE BOTONID^. 



The Toads have a well-developed tongue, which distinguishes them from the frogs ; the body 

 is thick and heavy, and is covered with glandular warts, which secrete an acrid juice ; this is 

 oflFensive to dogs, and renders them reluctant to attack these animals ; but they are not venom- 

 ous or poisonous. The toads are unlike the frogs in being without teeth. They generally come 



