76 BUFOAMERICANUS. 



The body is short, thick, and bloated, and has its superior surface covered with 

 warts of different sizes. A longitudinal line of dirty white runs from the occiput 

 to the vent; on each side of this are several conspicuous well-defined spots, varying 

 in colour, size, and shape: we sometimes find them systematically arranged in rows. 

 Along the flanks is a broad but indistinct band, extending to the posterior extre- 

 mities; this band is so broken as to give the appearance of a row of black and 

 white spots. The abdomen is granulated, and of a dirty yellowish-white. 



The anterior extremities are short; their upper surface, dusky with minute spots 

 of white; the lower is of the same colour as the abdomen; the fingers are distinct, 

 but not palmated. The posterior extremities are short, their superior surface 

 ash-colour, with blotches and transverse bands of black, extending to the tarsus; 

 the leg is shorter than the thigh; the toes are semipalmated, and five in nimiber; 

 a large tubercle occupies the place of a sixth, on the metatarsus. 



Dimensions. Length from snout to vent, 2^ inches; of thigh, 1 inch; of leg, 

 less than an inch; of tarsus and toes, I2 inches. 



Geographical Distribution. This is the most widely diffused of all the 

 American toads. I have observed them from the mountains of Maine through all 

 tlie Atlantic States: it is, however, remarkable that this animal leaves the sea shore 

 in the south; for I have never met with it in the low country of South Carolina, 

 although common in the upper districts of the state. Leconte has traced them 

 along the western side of the Alleghanies, and in the valley of the Mississippi. 



Habits. This animal is very mild and timid, living under stones or dead or 

 decaying trees, or in holes in the earth, and frequently making its way into cellars, 

 and dark and lonely corners: as evening approaches, it issues from its place of 

 concealment in search of insects, and at these times frequently falls a prey to 

 Snakes and Owls. It may be brought to a partial state of domestication, and will 

 swallow flies from the hand. Early in the spring these animals resort to shallow 

 pools in great numbers, for the purpose of depositing their spawn, and at these 



