plants; being able, by
curious discs on its toes, to crawl easily over their smooth surfaces.

It is among the smallest of its tribe, measuring only one and a half
inches in length. It is of a greenish-brown, variegated with streaks of
green and white, the under surface being of a yellowish-grey, tinged
with pink, and the legs banded. Its body is slender, with the hind-legs
very long, enabling it to take enormous leaps to escape danger.

THE CHANGEABLE TREE FROG.

Throughout all parts of the continent we shall find a curious little
toad, about two inches in length, which possesses the nature of the
chameleon--in being able to change its colour according to the tints of
the object on which it rests. By this means, so completely does it
assimilate its hue to the ground, that it often escapes observation.
The changes of colour it thus rapidly passes through are indeed
remarkable. From a nearly perfect white, it can assume every
intermediate shade to a dark brown. It has a very toad-like look, and
possesses skin glands which secrete an acrid fluid. Thus it is able,
when attacked, to defend itself, as well as escape observation.

It may frequently be found on old plum-trees, where it climbs in search
of the insects which there congregate. We shall frequently hear its
voice, especially before rain, for it is a noisy creature. It has a
liquid note, sounding like "el" frequently repeated, and then ending
with a sharp, short monosyllable.

It leaves its arborial habitation during the breeding season, and makes
its way to the nearest pools, where it joins in the concerts of its
relatives.

It hibernates during winter, burrowing beneath the damp ground.

THE SPOTTED EFT.

Related to the salamanders, we shall find a curious creature in
Pennsylvania, and other parts of the States, known as the spotted eft,
or ambystome. It has a thick, convex head, with a rounded muzzle; and
is of a deep violet-black colour above, and purplish-black below, the
sides being ornamented with a row of large yellow spots. Unlike other
newts, it deposits its eggs in small packets under damp stones. There
is another similar creature with mole-like habits, which burrows under
the ground, found in various parts of the States.

THE MENOPOMA.

Another of the same order--a formidable and savage creature--is the
menopoma, inhabiting the Ohio, Alleghany, and other rivers of the south,
frequently, from its propensities, called the young allig