158 
REPTILES. BATRACHIA. 
Rana. 
Tail compressed, deep, ending in a somewhat blunt point. A thin narrow 
web extends from the snout along the back (where it is notched), and upper 
and under edges of the tail, to the vent — This species is probably the “ L. 
terrestris vulgaris ventre nigro maculata” of Ray (Quad. 264), though inserted 
as a variety of L. agilis. It is more frequently found in marshes, and out of 
the water, than the following, 
7. T. aquaticus. Water Eft. — Skin soft, nearly smooth. 
Back greenish-brown, with dusky stripes. Belly orange, with 
dusky spots. 
Liacerta aq. Sihh. Scot. 13 — Salamandra aq. Ray^ Syn. Quad. 273 La- 
certa aq. Linn. Syst. i. 370 — L. maculata, Shepp. Linn. Trans, vii. 53. 
— In ponds, especially of stagnant water. 
Length about 4 inches. Head depressed, with two lines of black dots. 
Sides spotted with brownish-black lines. Tail compressed, not so deep as in 
the preceding species, and tapers to a finer point. A similar web along the 
back, decreasing in size after the season of love — This species is probably the 
Salamandra exigua, as the former seems to be the S. platycauda of Rusconi, 
an abridgment of whose curious observations on the metamorphoses of these 
animals is given in the Edin. Phil. Journ. N° xvii. 
8. T. vulgaris. Brown Eft. — Above yellowish-brown, with 
dark spots and lines. Beneath red, with black dots. 
Lacerta vulgaris, Sibb. Scot. 13. — Linn. Syst. i. 370. — Brown Lizard, 
Penn. Brit. Zool. iii. 24. Shepp. Lin. Trans, vii. 52. — Inhabits under 
stones in old Avails and rubbish. 
“ Head compressed ; upper part yeUow-brown, marked with minute dark- 
brown spots ; on the forehead, of some, is a large dark spot ; under part yel- 
lowish-white. Upper eye-lids dark-brown ; lower ones dull yellow. Back yel- 
low-brown, Avith minute darker spots ; two deep-broAvn lines reach from the 
head to the end of the tail. Belly and under part of the tail red, with a few 
black dots. Tai?, sides ribbed with dark-brown. Feet Avithout nails ; fore-feet 
with four, and the hind ones with five toes. Length 4 mches.''— Sheppard. 
The same obseiwer adds, “ L. vul. I have seen of all sizes, from one to four 
inches in length, but never in any other than a perfect state, — a sufficient 
proof that, like the rest of the land lizards, it undergoes no change ; and that 
it is perfectl}'^ distinct from L. palustris and maculata^ both of which attain to 
their full groAvth in the larva state.” Should this species really prove to be 
ovoviviparous, it Avill probably exhibit other characters by which it may be 
separated from the aquatic species with which it is provisionally joined. Its 
history, however, is stiU involved in obscurity, and is, by many, considered 
as identical with Triton aquaticus. 
Gen. VI. RANA. Frog. — Jaws and palate with teeth. Toes 
simple. 
9. i?. tem'poraria. Common Frog.— A black spot on each 
side of the head. 
Rana, Sibb. Scot. 13. — R. aquatica, Ray., Syn. Quad. 247.— -R. temp. 
Linn. Syst. i. 357* Penn. Brit. Zool, iii. 9.-— N, Paddock ; Wy Llyffant 
melyn. — Common. 
This common species, which requires no description, breeds earlier in the 
season than other species of the tribe. The eggs are laid in clusters in shallow 
