Feb. 23, 1882] 
NATURE 393 
Zoological Society’s Insect-house during the past summer 
have been partially devoted during the winter months to 
the use of small reptiles and batrachians, for which they 
seem to be in every respect well adapted. Most of these 
animals, although shy and retiring in their habits, enjoy 
the warmth of the sun’s rays and thrive excellently in 
their new habitations. 
Amongst the batrachians thus exhibited are several 
species of gigantic size when compared with their puny 
representatives in this country, such as the Agua Toad 
(Bufo agua) of Brazil and the Ocellated Bladder-Frog 
(Cystignathus ocellatus) of Buenos Ayres. But by far the 
most remarkable of these forms in the series is the 
Adorned Ceratophrys, or “ Esquerzo” of the natives of 
the Argentine Republic—a large toad of brilliant colours 
and extraordinary form, of which a figure (Fig 16) is now 
given, taken from a water-colour sketch prepared by Mr. 
Ernest Griset. 
The Esquerzo was discovered by Mr. Darwin during 
the celebrated voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, and first de- 
scribed by the late Prof. Bell in the ‘‘Zoology of the 
Voyage of the Beagle.’ This monster inhabits the 
pampas of Buenos Ayres, and is said to feed chiefly on 
its smaller brethren of the same class. Mr. Ernest 
William White, F.Z.S., to whom the Society is indebted 
for one of the two specimens now in the Gardens, 
Fic. 16.—Whe Esquerzs, or Barking ‘oad. 
specially mentions it in his lately-published ‘‘ Cameos 
from the Silver-Land”’ as one of the characteristic forms 
of the grassy plains of the Argentine Republic. “In 
the damp grass,’’ he says, may often be perceived the 
leering eyes and mottled black and green body of the 
huge Esquerzo (Ceratophrys ornata), whose gaping mouth 
crammed with the body of an unfortunate sapo (toad), 
and surmounted by threatening horns, inspires terror. 
This said Esquerzo bears an awfully spiteful character, 
and is credited with the deaths of many children. His 
appearance is certainly against him, but he is otherwise 
perfectly harmless.”’ j 
The Esquerzo seems to thrive equally well on English 
NOTES 
Weare glad to notice that a decided step has been taken 
towards the preservation of our ancient monuments. Sir John 
Lubbock has succeeded in getting the following resolution 
adopted in the House of Commons :—‘‘ That pending the intro- 
duction of a general measure dealing with the ancient monuments 
of the kingdom, and in order as far as possible to protect them 
from further injury, it is desirable that Her Majesty’s Govern- 
ment should appoint one or more inspectors with authority to 
inspect and report upon such ancient monuments.” Mr. Shaw- 
Lefevre, on the part of the Government, assented to the motion, 
and added that it was their intention to bring in a Bill dealing 
with the subject in which the hon. baronet took so much interest. | 
frogs as on the toads of Buenos Ayres, and does well in 
captivity. It is not, however, a very good object of exhi- 
bition, as, if left to its own devices, it hollows out a cavity 
to fit its body into the turf with which it is supplied, and 
leaves only the top of its head and projecting eyebrows 
barely visible. If harried out of its retreat for the 
examination of some curious visitor, it expands its body 
into almost a circular shape, and bites fiercely at any 
small object presented to it. At the same time it gives. 
vent to its injured feelings in an angry whine, something 
like the snarl of a puppy, which has caused it to be 
known amongst the frequenters of the Gardens as the 
| “ Barking Toad.” 
| Thus Sir John Lubbock’s determined perseverance in this 
important matter is likely at last to meet its reward. 
In deference to the strong feeling which evidently exists om 
| . 
the matter, the Zoological Society may be induced, if not too 
late, to reconsider the bargain they have made with Mr. Barnum 
for the disposal of their great African elephant, Jumbo, the 
universal pet of children. He has, we understand, been sold 
for 2000/7 , but has shown so obstinate and touching a deter- 
mination not to leaye the Gardens which have been his home 
since a baby that it seems cruel to force him to do so, The 
general feeling is expressed in a letter which we print to-day, and 
during the last few days there have been numerous remonstrances 
on the subject in the press ; one correspondent suggests that if 
