272 CRUISE OF THE BARRERA 



could only collect by most intensive work, although 

 there must have been many about us upon the 

 trees and shrubs judging from the chorus they 

 persistently kept up. Such species of tree toads 

 as live only upon the mountain side of the sierra 

 must have difficulty in finding water in which to 

 lay their eggs and to shelter their young during 

 the tadpole stage. Standing water is impossible 

 in such stations. We do not know from actual 

 observation that this species lays its eggs in the 

 little water-filled hollows of the bromeliads but 

 such is most likely the case. One or two species 

 of this same genus found in the lesser Antilles are 

 known to do this, and what is more interesting 

 still is the fact that by an adaptation to cir- 

 cumstances the tadpole metamorphosis of these 

 toads is entirely passed in the egg, thus requir- 

 ing no permanent water station. Our little tree 

 toad here very likely has acquired the same life 

 habit. 



Not more than one hour could be given this 

 station according to our careful allotment of time. 

 Feeling that we had scarcely more than glanced 

 at the place, we reluctantly left to proceed across 

 the vega to the western end of the main mountain, 



