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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6

Batrachia.—Frogs

Batrachia.—Frogs.

This sub-order of the class Reptilia is well represented in Australia, and about forty or more species are described. Nearly the whole of these have been observed on the East coast, so that many novelties may be expected when the interior of the country and its western parts have become better known.

Frogs are found almost everywhere, in particular near water, though at times they are seen far away from it. They are all more or less nocturnal, and may be collected by the aid of a light after dark, or during the day-time by removing the loose baric of certain trees, turning over logs or stones, or examining any crevices in the soil which are likely to be damp. The paper-like bark of a species of Melaleuca (the tea-tree of the settlers) harbors many Hylæ or tree-frogs; they are also found on Grass-trees (Xanthorhoæ), on the dwarf-palms or Zamias, and on other plants which retain moisture, or are frequented by a variety of insects. When basking in the rays of the sun they generally assume a pale colour, the pupil is contracted and scarcely visible, and the frog is supposed to be asleep. How far this is correct may be judged from bringing an insect within reach of him—he will soon wake up and swallow it. Night is however the proper time to observe them; then they are most active, and generally of a darker colour. The variable hues which pass over some of the tree-frogs in particular are truly wonderful; they will change from white to dark-grey, from bright-green to almost black, from slate-colour to a rich green, and so on, till one is bewildered how to describe them.

Frogs are voracious feeders; they devour each other at every chance, as long as the victim is but a trifle smaller than the aggressor; and the elastic bag known as a frog's stomach often contains such a varied collection of things that it will almost appear incredible to non-observers. Nothing dead is accepted by frogs—all must be living food; and they generally watch till the intended prey moves before they make a spring. If the victim is a small insect, the tongue is thrown out as quick as thought, and the fly or beetle devoured, but when too large a sound grip is retained, and the arms are freely used to work the creature down into the stomach. Large beetles, spiders, centipedes, worms, butterflies, caterpillars, snails, crabs, prawns, small snakes, and lizards have been removed from the digesting apparatus of various frogs, and, it may sound incredible, the remains of young birds were found, and on one occasion a large mouse or page 58 perhaps a young rat.* Tree-frogs are safe weather-prophets, and whenever they begin to chirp or croak rain is not far off. We have not yet heard of the remains of fossil frogs being found in Australia, and with regard to the frequent discoveries of "toads in solid rock" those statements must be received with caution. All the frogs presented to the Museum, and said to be so obtained, proved to be common Sydney species.

No tailed frogs, such as Newts, Salamanders, or Olms, inhabit this country.

The Batrachia salientia, the tailless section, is arranged as follows:—