108 



VERTEBRATES! BATRACHIANS. 



are able to move along the trunks, branches, and leaves 

 of trees. Here they live, except when they go into the 

 water to lay their eggs. One of the tiny Tree-frogs, 

 named Pickering's Hylodes, makes the 

 high piping note, which in spring is 

 heard in New England and in the 

 Middle States throughout the night. 

 It is found upon plants near to stag- 

 nant pools, and in woods. 



The American Toad is familiar to 

 all. It is very useful to the farmer and gardener, de- 

 stroying great numbers of insects. 



Fig. 183. — Picker- 

 ing's Hylodes. 



SALAMANDERS, TRITONS, SIRENS, &c. 



Salamanders are batrachians which have a long body 

 and long tail, and which live upon the land, except 

 when they go to the water to lay their eggs. There 



Fig. 184. — Salamander. 



are many kinds in North America, varying from three 

 to twelve inches long. They are found mostly under 



Fig. 185. — Triton. 



stones, fallen trees, and rubbish. Tritons have nearly 

 the same form, but live in the water. Both cor- 

 respond in form to the Lizards among the true Rep- 

 tiles. Tritons have the most wonderful power to 



