AMPHIBIOUS VERTEBRATES. 203 
with which they cling to trees and any surface. Their 
habits are very singular. In tropical Africa, a species 
(Polypedates) deposit their eggs on leaves by the side of 
streams into which they are washed by the rain. In the 
Island of Guadeloupe there are no marshes, and the young 
tree-toads appear directly in the adult shape: this is called 
a suppressed metamorphosis. A tree-toad in Martinique 
carries its young tadpoles clinging to its back, presenting 
a strange sight. In the Andes, a toad (Wototrema) has a 
sac on its back in which the young are carried. The most 
remarkable tree-toad is a flier (Rhacophorus, Fig. 244) from 
New Guinea. Its toes and fingers are completely webbed 
so that they form parachutes, the little creature springing 
from limb to limb like a flying-squirrel. They are four 
inches in length, the web of the hind-feet expanding four 
square inches. Nearly all tree-toads are green or brown 
in color, adapted to the leaves or limbs of treés, thus escap- 
ing their enemies. yla micans exudes a luminous secre- 
tion that may serve to frighten its enemies, while a French 
species exudes when attacked a strong, pungent odor. 
VALUE. — The 
tree-toads protect 
the trees from 
noxious insects. 
fHyla arborea is 
used as a barome- 
ter, placed in a 
bottle, with asmall 
ladder upon which 
they ascend in 
pleasant weather, 
remaining at the 
bottom if it prom- 
ises to be inclem- 
ent. In the Su- 
rinam toad (Fig. ——— = STE 
245), allied to the Tic, 245.—Surinam toad, showing young escaping 
family, the male from the cells in the mother’s back. 
