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Retiles pof Massachusetts. 45 
R. palustris. Leconte. The Pickerel Frog. 
Ann. Lyc. N. Y. vol. i. p. 982. 
Harlan's Med. and Phys. Res. p. 105. 
N. A. Herpet. vol. i. p. 93. 
Although Leconte applied the specific name of 
“ palustris? to this quite common species, on ac- 
count of its being found near salt marshes, it is as 
frequently, in this vicinity at least, met with about 
the margins of fresh water brooks and ponds, as in 
any other situations. It is a prettily marked species, 
but much less brilliant in its colors than the pre- 
ceding. 
The largest specimen I have met with, measured 
three inches in length ; and the posterior extremities 
were four inches and a half long. Color above, 
cinereous ; abdomen white ; interior of the limbs and 
lower part of the flanks, yellow. Upon the back, 
two longitudinal rows of dark brown spots, which 
are generally square, sometimes nearly circular ; in 
some specimens, these become confluent and produce 
an elongated band; in the same specimens, both 
square and circular spots may occasionally be ob- 
served. Between the back and sides, a broad yel- 
lowish brown band is seen, commencing at the eyes, 
and extending the length of the body. Two rows 
of smaller spots of a similar appearance with those 
on the back and sides. Snout, pointed. Eyes 
rather prominent ; pupils, black ; irides, golden. 
Tympanum, small, color of the back ; a dark colored 
line extends from the snout to the eyes, a roundish 
