Zoology. 535 
pharynx has an alkaline reaction, and converts starch into sugar 
and fibrin into peptone. The cale-glands also alter starch. The 
gastric juice is much like pancreatic juice, but is distinguished by 
the presence of tripsin, and by the fact that it apparently works 
better in the presence of weak acids. The cells of the typhlosole 
not only absorb the digestive juices, but they also have a digestive 
function much like that of the pancreas of the Vertebrates. „Other 
observations relate to the histology of the epidermis, the pigment 
material, the œsophageal muscles and the calc glands. Some notes 
are made on the distribution of the Russian species, two of which 
occur even in the Lena Delta. 
Recent Nores on SCAPHIOPUS HOLBROOKII.—The eneral 
characteristics of this animal have been long and familiarly known 
and its more prominent anatomical features clearly defined ; but its 
rather circumscribed distribution and comparative rarety, even 
where known to exist, have made somewhat difficult any extensive 
study of its peculiar nature and habits. : 
summer on Martha’s Vineyard, and the occasion of a sudden. 
and tremendous rainfall, afforded an opportunity for certain very 
interesting observations. . : a 
If the literature of the subject is any indication as to its famili- 
arity, the submission of the following notes may not seem a work of 
supererrogation ; for, aside from the studies of Dr. Chas. C. Abbott, 
published in Vol. XVIII, No. 11, of the Am. NATURALIST, and 
those of Colonel Nicolas Pike, published in Vol. I, No. 7, of the 
Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural mon, I have not 
been able to find anything except brief notes, scattered in miscella- 
neous works, though I believe notes on its occurrence have been 
e by Mr. Nichols and by Mr. Fred. S. Smith. ; 
My observations, as will be seen, add but little that is new ; yet 
a record of them may contribute somewhat to corroborate and extend 
that which does exist. : 
One afternoon, about August 10, 1887, while at work in the 
laboratory of the Martha’s Vineyard Summer Institute, in com- 
hours or more, uring an interval of cessation our attention was 
diverted by weird, plaintive sort of cries, which none at first was able 
to explain. Darting out through the still-falling rain toward a low 
Sort of hollow, from which the cries seemed to come, it was found 
to have been converted into quite a pond, though previously quite 
dry. In this, and swimming about in a state of the greatest activity 
and excitement, were what looked to be scores of toads. Nod 
culty was found in securing a few specimens, which were at once 
mentified as “ spatlefoots.” ~ Procuring a scoop-net, we took several 
dozens of them, leaving many more in the : ee 
S was about four o’clock in the afternoon, and they continued 
