NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 183 
The Wood Frog, (Rana sylvatica), is frequently seen in 
moist valleys in the Zoological Park, where its chocolate 
brown back so closely matches the color of the dead leaves 
and moist earth; it is difficult to find, save when it takes one 
of its flying leaps. The specimens shown were taken near 
the Beaver Pond. 
The Tree Frog, (Hyla pickeringi), is the commonest of 
the queer little tree-loving species which are so easy to hear, 
and so difficult to find. In spring their voices are the first 
to be heard in the swamps. The Zoological Park is full of 
Hylas, and their cheerful piping is heard at all seasons, 
especially in dry midsummer,:when dark storm-clouds 
gather and promise rain. 
The Common Toad, (Bufo lentiginosus), is found in the 
Zoological Park, though not in such abundance as the two 
preceding species. 
Among the most remarkable creatures in the Reptile 
House are the specimens of Smooth-Clawed Frog, (Xenopus 
laevis), from Africa and The Surinam Toad, (Pipa americana). 
Both of these species are strictly aquatic and have broadly 
palmated hind feet. The Surinam Toad comes from Dutch 
Guiana. It is unique in its breeding habits. The male col- 
lects the eggs and places them on the female’s back where 
they are engulfed in large folds of the skin, which form 
cells in which the metamorphosis occurs. 
The Spotted Salamander, (Salamandra maculosa), because 
of its broad, bright yellow bands and blotches, laid on a 
rich, dark-brown body color, is one of the most showy of all 
Amphibians. it comes from Europe, and being much prized 
-in collections, it frequently passes through the hands of 
dealers in reptiles. Its skin is very moist and clammy, 
which gives the creature the appearance of having been 
varnished. This is the creature which is supposed to be 
able to withstand fire—a belief which is purely imaginative. 
The Tiger Salamander or Axolotl, (Amblystoma tigrinum), 
is a widely different creature from the preceding. It is 
found throughout the greater portion of the North Amer- 
ican continent, and as far south as Central Mexico. Thir- 
teen other species of the genus Amblystoma are found in 
North America and Mexico. In the matter of ‘‘harmoniz- 
ing with environment,’’ the Amblystoma is one of the most 
remarkable creatures in existence. In its larval stage 
(corresponding with the tadpole stage of a frog), this ani- 
