590 NOTES ON INDIAN ZOOLOGY. 



above, ■with a deepish and broad longitudinal furrow ; a membranous 

 pouch tinder the fork of the inferior maxiUaries ; body green above, 

 white underneath ; intestine short, straight, and thick ; no ccecum. 



Called by the natives of Hindostan ' the Cowah Muchee,' or Crow- 

 billed fish. Sometimes attains 18 inches. 



Forms a distinct species, nearly allied to the marine Esox Belone of 

 Cuvier, but differing in number of rays to the fins, and in having a 

 straight ended, not forked, tail. 



Inhabits nullahs and stagnant waters at Suharunpoor ; common. 



Swims horizontally, with a zig-zag motion, like an eel. Is eaten by 

 the natives. 



III. — Memorandum regarding the Predaceous Habits of Indian 

 Frogs in an instance observed by Mr. J. Wright. 



About the end of August, 1840, Wright one evening was seated 

 outside the house on the terrace, and saw one of the large yellow rain 

 frogs of Hindostan quietly crouched under a raised piece of timber, 

 close to the terrace. There happened to be a quantity of chaff and 

 grain strewed over the adjoining ground near the terrace, left there 

 after feeding fowls. Several sparrows were attracted by the sight of 

 the grain, and settled upon the spot. The movements of the birds 

 hopping about and picking the grain soon appeared to arouse the atten- 

 tion of 'the frog, who evinced his interest by raising himself on his hind 

 legs, and vibrating his body rapidly backwards and forwards without 

 leaving his cover under the wood. At length one of the sparrows 

 hopped to within /o?»' ov five feet of him, when, in one spring, he threw 

 himself most accurately on the bird, and seized it in an instant, taking 

 the head, neck, and body at once into his gape. He then sprang back 

 to his cover, and was vigorously endeavouring to swallow the bird, 

 Avhen Wright, who was attentively watching what was going on, got 

 up, pushed the frog into a comer, where he was able to lay hold of the 

 reptile, and seizing the sparrow's legs, compelled the frog, after a deter- 

 mined resistance, to disgorge his prey. The sparrow had a spark of 

 life remaining when drawn out. The correctness of these particulars 

 is hereunder authenticated by Wright. 



' The above statement is strictly correct. 



' J. H. S. Wright.' 

 StTHAExrNPOOE : July 15, 1841. 



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