230 THE BROOK BOOK 



little by little to build up other parts of the body." 

 Frogs do not shed their tails ; neither do they rain 

 down, the daily press and the "oldest inhabitant" 

 to the contrary notwithstanding. They all pass 

 through the gradual development from the egg to 

 the adult. The bullfrog remains a tadpole for at 

 least two years, while some of the smaller frogs 

 reach the adult state in one summer. Much is 

 yet to be discovered concerning their habits and 

 development. 



When I reached the pond above the dam not a 

 sound was to be heard. I stood motionless for a few 

 moments, but it was damp and I could not wait 

 for the music. As I neared the reedy margin a 

 telltale Ku-chug/ told me that the frogs were there, 

 though they evidently regarded my approach with 

 suspicion. The muddy edge was alive with little 

 black poUiwogs. How like animated commas they 

 were, their absurd little tails in constant motion. 

 I could not resist the temptation to splash the 

 water, just to see how excited they would be. The 

 water was muddy and the light was growing dim, 

 and not one mass of eggs could I discover. It 

 was late and something told me it was supper 

 time. I left the poUiwogs to their own devices 

 and made my way homeward. My rainy day ex- 

 periences had brought me many things to think 

 about. 



