68 GUIDE TO REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. 



cana, 544, fig. 08), representing the Pipidce, is quite toothless, and has 

 each front-toe terminating in a kind of star ; the fore-toes being free 

 and the hind-ones webbed. The shape of this Toad is very peculiar, 

 the head being depressed and triangular, and the eyes minute. In 

 both sexes the skin is covered with tubercles ; and in the breeding 



Fig. 68. 



A Female Surinam Toad (Pipa americana) with young emerging from 

 the brooding pouches of the back. (No. 544.) 



season the skin of the back of the female assumes a spongy structure 

 and forms pouches for the reception of the eggs, which are put in 

 position by the male. Eventually each egg becomes completely 

 concealed in its pouch, which is furnished with a lid ; and in these 

 ] touches the young undergo their development, until they make their 

 appearance as fully-formed Toads. In habits the Surinam Toad is 

 completely aquatic. 



