1883. ] The Mink or Hoosier Frog. 945 
pair of temporary abdominal appendages on each segment. (uro- 
mere); so also has the Lepidopterous and Coleopterous embryo, 
which points back to a common, Scolopendrella-like type; this 
also possibly indicating a still earlier, worm-like, Peripatus-like 
ancestor for Myriopoda and Hexapoda at least, if not Arachnida. 
For previous discussions as to the origin of insects the reader is 
referred to the writings of Fritz Miller, Brauer, Lubbock, and 
the author. 
70: 
THE MINK OR HOOSIER FROG. 
BY J. H. GARNIER, M.D. 
HIS frog (Rana septentrionalis) seems comparatively unknown, 
and is found in localities far apart. It inhabits spring creeks 
and rivers, but in lakes and ponds of the purest water I have never 
seen it, nor captured a single specimen. It is quiet and solitary 
in its habits, never associating in numbers like the bull-frog (R. 
catesbiana), nor the green frog (R. fontinalis). It makes its ap- 
pearance in April. It was first named by Professor S. F.» Baird, 
now Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. Rice pub- 
lished some notes concerning it, which I have been unable to pro- 
cure, and therefore furnish such particulars as have come under 
my own personal observation. It is a silent and unobtrusive 
species, and emphatically a river frog. It is never seen in 
fields nor woods, but as the observer walks by the banks 
of a brook, it seldom allows him to approach its lurking 
place, but, being very wary, dives into the stream, gener- 
ally making for the center, where it seeks the cover of some 
friendly stone, buries itself in the mud, or conceals its body 
among the water plants. If taken in the hand it emits a strong 
odor of musk and garlic, or more properly the disagreeable scent 
of the mink; this is sufficiently powerful to adhere to the hand 
for a time, but soon passes away. it preys on water beetles and 
Similar insects, but seems especially partial to the Julus family, 
having generally found it in the stomachs examined. Why it 
was termed “hoosier frog” I do not know, and I may be allowed 
to add the name of “ mink frog,” which has a positive meaning. 
The tadpoles rest in little bays, or may often be seen in the most 
rapid current. If disturbed, like the adult, they dart into the mid- 
dle, and it is no easy matter to secure specimens of the nearly per- 
