during the cold periods. Its eggs are laid in the water and are 
attached to submerged vegetation in small bunches which encircle 
the stems of the plants; unlike the eggs of the Bull-frogs, they 
may be found at almost any time. The smallest of our 
amphibians, the Brown Froglet ( Crinia signifera ) is found under 
stones and logs; after heavy rain, from June to December, it 
makes to water and lays its eggs in small masses attached to 
plants, in much the same way as those of the Tree-frog. 
The one Toad occurring in our hills is a small and incon- 
spicuous species sometimes found in the same situations as the 
Brown Froglet. Unlike the last-named, however, it does not 
attempt to escape by jumping when disturbed. Our Toadlet is 
not a swimmer, and does not make its way to pools and streams, 
even for breeding purposes. The eggs are laid after rain in 
depressions or holes, under stones or pieces of old tin, or in grass 
or weeds near the margin of water. The hatching of the eggs 
is postponed until they find their way into water, which may 
only occur with the next heavy shower of rain. The eggs will 
survive desiccation for at least three months. 
Page Seventy-one 
