FROG. 
1 9 
this period begins to decrease ; at first very gra- 
dually, and at length so rapidly as to become 
quite obliterated in the space of a day or two after- 
wards.” 
Thus we have traced them from their imperfect 
state ; and the first use they make of their feet is to 
leave the water, round the margin of which they 
may be seen in myriads, and sometimes cover a 
considerable space, filling every little puddle with 
their numbers. 
The appetite of the frog changes with its form, 
since it is no longer content with the simple vege- 
table food which sufficed for its existence during its 
tadpole state, but seeks for snails, worms, and in- 
sects. To obtain these the creature quits its native 
element and wanders in the meadows, where it at- 
tentively watches the passing insects, till one comes 
sufficiently near ; when the frog is seen to spring 
forward with great agility, dart out its tongue, and 
seize the prey with unerring certainty. This organ 
is particularly formed by nature for the purpose, 
being so placed that the root is attached to the fore 
rather than the hind part of the mouth, and when 
at rest lies with the tip towards the throat. This 
contrivance enables the frog to dart the tongue to a 
distance from the mouth, and the glutinous matter 
with which the tip is covered greatly contributes 
towards securing the prey. 
These animals seem chiefly designed to live on 
insects ; but they will not refuse to attack a large 
worm, though so badly calculated to secure the 
