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THE AMERICAN NATURALIST [Vol.L 



fowleri had arrived. If experimental hybrids could be obtained, 

 it would be especially interesting to compare the voices of the 

 hybrids with the voices of the parents, as well as to determine 

 the hereditary behavior of various other characters. 



In those localities where both toads are found, differences in 

 behavior peculiar to each species tend to prevent natural cross 

 mating. Bufo americanus is the first toad to appear and, at 

 least around Oxford, Massachusetts, has completed egg-laying 

 and left the water long before B. fowleri has appeared. Fur- 

 thermore, the preference that B. fowleri shows for certain ponds 

 from year to year is rather remarkable. 



Fowler (letter previously cited) noted that only certain ponds 

 around Dan vers, Massachusetts, were visited by B. fowleri. In 

 the region of the writer's early home, Oxford, Massachusetts, 

 the same rigid preference was shown for certain bodies of water 

 during the mating season. Here it was indicated that these 

 toads traveled very long distances to reach a certain quiet bend 

 in the Maanixit River. Although other permanent bodies of 

 water were near, these, for some reason, were never visited by 

 these toads. 



The writer hopes that an interest in our common toads will 

 finally lead some one to investigate the possibility of experi- 

 mental hybridization between B. americanus and B. fowleri, and 

 the question of the relationship of these toads. Batrachian hy- 

 bridization seems never to have been undertaken. It would ap- 

 pear that such investigations would throw much light on the 

 question of geographic variation, intergrading forms, etc. Few 

 creatures are more companionable and harmless in their behavior 

 and more useful to the agriculturist as insect destroyers, than 

 the toads. Knowledge of their habits, relationship, etc., is not 

 only of scientific, but also of soundly practical interest. 



rook, J. E. North American Herpetology, Vol. 5, 1842. 

 Bufo lentiginosus Shaw, he says the males seek the fe 

 month of May when hundreds may be seen together in s 

 pool depositing their eggs. Of the notes he says: "The 



hen taken" (p. 9). 



American Reptiles and Batrachians. 



On page 42 he says of B. fowleri Pu 

 ! moderate size and with frontal ridge 



