190 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST. 



illuminated by the explanation now given, will see that " it" must and can 

 only refer to our New Forest insect, and that the passage as vmtten will not 

 bear the meaning he now places upon it. 1 much regret this unfortunate 

 circumstance, as .it has imparted an unnecessary warmth to an otherwise 

 pleasant and friendly discussion. 



With regard to the solitary larva, a comparison of Mr. Tugwell's de- 

 scription with Jasper's plate and description, shows conclusively that whatever 

 it was it was not the larva of Meliloti, Esper. 



55, Lincolns Inn Fields, 24th September. 



BRITISH FROGS AND TOADS. 



By LINN^US GREENING. 



(A PaJ>er read before the Warrington Field Club November i8th r 1887J 

 Continued from page 174. 



Rana esculenta (Edible Frog). 



In the "Zoologist," July, 1884, appeared an article by Mr. Boulenger, of 

 the British Museum, refering to this species, and demonstrating that there is 

 not sufficient evidence to prove that it is indigenous to these islands. He 

 points out that the species is common throughout Europe, and there are 

 several local varieties sufficiently marked to be classed as sub-species. It is 

 known that edible frogs have been introduced into this country from France 

 and Belgium, within the last 40 years ; and they have thriven in their new 

 homes. But it is certain that Rana esculenta occurred in the fen district at 

 an earlier period, and fortunately, a few specimens taken during the breeding 

 season have been preserved in the Norwich Museum. A distinguishing 

 character of some of the sub-species is the shape of the tubercle developed by 

 the male during the breeding season. Now it is remarkable that all the 

 more ancient specimens which have been preserved belong to the Italian sub- 

 species, and not to the Erench form, recently imported. This seems to 

 render it highly probable that this species was introduced into England by 

 Italian priests during the period when the influence of the Church of Eome 

 was greatest. 



However, since it has resided amongst us for at least 400 years, no further 

 apology is necessary for including it amongst British Batrachians. If I may 

 be excused a little repetition, I will again say, that the two absolutely dis- 

 tinctive features by which this frog may be at once distinguished from the 

 common one, are : first, the absence of the dark patch running from the eye 



