FROGS AND TOADS. 



279 



" The period when the deposit of the eggs commences, 

 depends upon the season ; but the time when the greater 

 number are produced, is during the months of May and 

 June : and it is worthy of notice, that the different 

 species of Newt are found depositing their eggs during a 

 much longer period of the summer than the tailless Am- 

 phibia, such as the Frog and Toad. At the time I have 

 mentioned, if the leaves of the various species of aquatic 

 plants be observed, many of them will be found folded to- 

 gether ; and within the fold a single egg of the Newt 

 will be discovered. It is, however, necessary for accurate 

 observation" from the commencement, that the female 

 Newt be taken and placed in a vessel of water with the 

 plants in question, that she may deposit the egg under 

 the eye of the observer. The best plant for the purpose 

 is the Polygonum persicaria, which is ordinarily chosen by 

 the animal in its natural habitat. A large glass globe is 

 a good vessel for the purpose of observation; but if it be 

 wished to employ a larger one, I may be allowed to re- 

 commend the largest-sized foot-bath made of white ware. 

 This vessel I have often used for keeping many aquatic 

 animals; and if a layer of Roman cement be placed at the 

 bottom, and a few pebbles, or a stone of sufficient size, be 

 fixed by the cement at one end, the objection to the slip- 

 periness of the vessel will be obviated, and the animal will 

 also have the opportunity of coming above the surface at 

 pleasure. 



" The manner in which the eggs are deposited, is very 

 interesting and curious. The female, selecting some leaf 

 of an aquatic plant, sits, as it were, upon its edge, and, 

 folding it by means of her two hinder feet, deposits a 



