198 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



of color the pattern becomes obscure or more prominent. Length 

 of body, 2 inches; total length with hind limbs outstretched, 

 4I inches. 



Range: The entire eastern and central portions of the United 

 States, from IMaine to Florida, and westward to Texas. 



Local Distribution: General and fairly abundant. 



The call of the Gray Tree Toad is a loud clattering sound, 

 and resembles the scolding of a frightened chipmunk or red 

 squirrel. It is said that the Tree Toad is particularly vociferous 

 before a coming rain. Like other prognosticators of the weather, 

 however, these creatures are quite unreliable. Their cries are 



FIG. 22. THE GRAY TREE TOAD 

 From specimen in New York Zoological Park 



particularly frequent during the sultry interv^als that follow a 

 light summer shower. After the breeding season is over, this 

 Tree Toad frequents trees and usually takes up its abode at some 

 elevation above the ground. It is supposed to deposit its eggs 

 during the latter part of May or early in June. Small weedy 

 ponds are usually selected as breeding-places. The eggs hatch 

 quickly and the transformation from the tadpole stage is rapid. 



The Salt-Marsh Frog, Rana virescens Kalm (Fig. 23), is of 



moderate size and rather slender form. Ground color bronze to 



olive or bright green, but always vividly marked with 



ars i^j-gg g^j^(j irregularly scattered round spots of dark 



brown or black; on the back several of these spots 



are very elongate. The spots are more regularly disposed on the 



hind limbs, and when the legs are flexed, they have a banded 



[44] 



