18 



with small tubercles. The pupil of eye is vertical and cat- 

 like ; l iris brassy-colored. Vomerine teeth in two patches. A 

 peculiar spade- like process at the base of inner toe. 



The eggs are laid at any time from April to June in bunches 

 from one to three inches in diameter, and are placed around a 

 spike of grass. They hatch in about a week, the metamor- 

 phosis being complete in about two to three weeks. The 

 young immediately assume the terrestrial habits of the adult. 



Acris gryllus crepitans Baird. 



Cricket-Frog. 



This is the Hy lodes gryllus of DeKay. 



The cricket-frog is described in the Geological Survey of 

 New Jersey, as more usually found " in the southern third of 

 the State " and Cope places its northern limit at New Haven. 

 I find it abundant along the Saddle River valley as far north 

 as Hohokus, N. J., and it is sparingly found in the low-lying 

 lands to the east. I have heard their notes at Fort Lee and 

 have captured specimens at NordhofT. They may be found in 

 numbers around the pond on the old Joseph Jefferson place 

 about one mile east of Hohokus. Very early in the spring 

 and before the appearance of the "peepers" (Hyla pickeringi) , 

 their rattling, broken cry may be heard. It is not sharp like 

 that of Hyla, and would not be noticed unless one were near. 



Our subspecies is northern and differs principally from Acris 

 gryllus gryllus of the South, in having shorter hind feet, large 

 dermal tubercles and less distinct lines on the posterior face of 

 thigh. General color brownish, with a dark brown triangular 

 patch between the eyes. A dorsal band varying from bright 

 green to a rusty red, which changes to a more subdued color 

 when the animal is frightened. Eyes large and prominent. 

 Length, one inch. 



They are rarely found away from the borders of ponds, and 

 their long leaps and swimming powers render capture very 

 difficult. 



1 In the common toad the pupil is horizontal and there are no teeth. 



