1876.] Anthropology. 179 
cently described the mode of deposit of its eggs employed by a species 
of tree-frog (Polypedates) from tropical Western Africa. This species 
deposits its eggs, as is usual among batrachians, in a mass of albuminous 
jelly ; but instead of placing this in the water, it attaches it to the leaves 
of trees which border the shore and overhang a water-hole or pond. 
Here the albumen speedily dries, forming a horny or glazed coating of 
the leaf, inclosing the unimpregnated eggs in a strong envelope. Upon 
the advent of the rainy season, the albumen is softened, and with the 
eggs is washed into the pool below, now filled with water. Here the 
male frog finds the masses, and occupies himself with their impregna- 
tion. 
A Swake-Eatine Snake.— Some years ago Professor Cope de- 
scribed the snake-eating habits of the Oxyrrhopus plumbeus Wied, a 
tather large species of snake which is abundant in the intertropical parts 
of America. A specimen of it from Martinique was observed to have 
swallowed the greater part of a large fer-de-lance, the largest venomous 
snake in the West Indies. The Oxyrrhopus had seized the fer-de-lance 
by the snout, thus preventing it from inflicting fatal wounds, and had 
swallowed a great part of its length, when caught and preserved by the 
collector. More recently a specimen was brought by Mr. Gabb from 
projected from the mouth of the Oxyrrhopus in a sound condition. The 
Oxyrrhopus is entirely harmless, although spirited and pugnacious in its 
manners. Professor Cope suggests that its introduction into regions 
infested with venomous snakes, like the island of Martinique, would be 
followed by beneficial results. ‘The East Indian snake-eater, Naja elaps, 
18 unavailable for this purpose, as it is itself one of the most dangerous 
venomous snakes. 
ANTHROPOLOGY. 
articulate sounds, with five tables of classification. This paper merited 
Sufficient attention to justify the appointment of a committee consisting 
* M. Chauvée, Picot, Hovelacque, Coudereau, De Caix St. Aymour, 
Millescamps, De Charencey, Andre Lefevre, Krishaber, Parrot, Proust, 
, “8se, and Onimus to examine into its merits. The same subject was 
discussed at subsequent meetings. In the same number, M. de Mortillet 
Teported the reception of a letter from M. Babert de Juillé, announcing 
the discovery of a trepanned skull in the dolmen of Bougon in Deux 
“Sevres, M Broca stated that this was the fifth locality wherein this 
“nstom had been traced ; 
Part xvii, of Reliquiæ Aquitanice has been received, containing the 
