444 CLASS REPTILIA. 



dons the bosoms of sleeping waters, this species must be 

 sought for among bushes and plants with long stems, and 

 in places remote from the banks of streams. 



Some authors have given the epithet muta to this species, 

 because it does not croak. It is not, however, destitute of 

 the power of uttering sounds ; at the time of reproduction, 

 or when it is tormented, it sends forth a sort of grunting 

 noise. It also croaks, but only at the bottom of the water, 

 which is contrary to the habits of the other species. 



It also possesses the faculty of shooting from the anus an 

 acrid fluid, and in much greater abundance than the green 

 frog. 



At the approach of winter, it retires into fountains and 

 ponds of pure water. It never goes but through absolute 

 necessity into marshes and miry waters. It does not bury 

 itself in the mud like the preceding species, and numbers 

 of these frogs may be taken during the winter by making 

 holes in the ice. 



It lays its eggs at a later season than the green frog, and 

 the developement of its tadpole is more slow. 



This species is most commonly eaten in the central parts 

 of France. The hind quarters are as good en fricassee, as 

 those of the green frog. 



Like the preceding species, it presents many varieties not 

 necessary to be noticed here. 



The rana punctata is said to be susceptible of a change 

 of colour under the influence of terror. It is also believed 

 that it croaks at the bottom of the water like the common 

 frog. 



Rana clamitans, was found by M. Bosc in the fresh 

 waters in Carolina in the neighbourhood of Charlestown* 

 Its obscure tints give it some resemblance to a toad, but it 

 is soon distinguished by the extreme vivacity of its move- 



