THE BATRACHIA OF NORTH AMERICA. 



131 



au(l tapering- to auiis; expauding again towards middle of tail, then 

 contracting to an elongated point. Thus there is a decided contraction 

 at base of tail not seen in most other species. Tail oval in its section 

 throughout, though only exhibiting a ridge on posterior half. 



The back and sides curiously sculptured by furrows, disposed as fol- 

 lows : At origin of hind legs begins a dorsal furrow, which continues 

 to middle of vertex, when it bifurcates, sending a branch to each eye. 

 There are fourteen vertical furrows (costal) on sides, which are more 

 generally indicated across abdomen. A rather obsolete longitudinal 

 furrow on each side marks the upper boundary of these vertical furrows 

 and the outline of back. From the dorsal line proceed backwards, at 

 an acute angle, furrows corresponding in number, and uniting with lines 

 directed at a less acute angle from the superior ends of costal furrows. 

 The lateral longitudinal furrows mark the origin of the latter lines. The 

 sides of liead also sculptured externally to the bifurcations and rough- 

 ened between e^'es. One or two furrows or constrictions go entirely 

 around the tail behind the vent, marking the narrowed base of the tail, 

 whicli then swells abruptly in many specimens. 



Feet very weak ; toes very little developed, only four on hind foot, of 

 which one is nearly obsolete. External and internal toes of fore-feet 

 very small. Eyes not very large nor prominent. Pupil large, black. 

 Iris above, golden bronze ; beneath darker. A general resemblance to 

 FletJiodon clnereus in color. Back, dark chestnut, but above much 

 lighter, both sprinkled with black, the latter more especially along the 

 dorsal line. Snout above, eyes above, and in certain lights the furrows 

 above the lateral longitudinal lines, light chestnut, approaching to 

 golden bronze, faintly clouded in spots with darker; side of body finely 

 mottled brown and bluish-white. Head, body, and tail below chalk 

 white, with a tinge of blue, sparingly and irregularly marked with rather 

 large black spots ; spots disposed along sides and the white of tail be- 

 neath. Central tract unspotted. 



^T^ 



Fig. 29. McmidactjjUum scutatum, No. 4094. W. Noitlifield, HI; f-. 



Measurements of No. 4091. 



Lines. 



Total length , 40 2 



Length to end of vent 17. 8 



Length to groin , 15, 6 



Length to axilla 3. 3 



Length to cauthus oris 2 



Length of fore limb 3.2 



Length of hind limb 3.75 



Length of hind foot 1.1 



Width of head „ , 2. 6 



