Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/46

BRITISH AMPHIBIANS In due course, as the tadpole develops, the hind pair of legs first make their appearance. Then there is a halt. Later, it will be observed, if a close watch is kept, that the tail shows signs of disappearing. It does not drop off, or wither up, but Nature has provided that it shall become absorbed, and afford sustenance to the little creature in setting up the necessary life-motion to bring forth a second (and front) pair of legs. When these hind legs show themselves, the tail has become a mere pointed stump, and the bull-dog appearance of the head, as well as the fat under parts, have given place to the familiar baby Frog known to all who live in the country (See Figs. 9 to 17). Sometimes the little fellows come to land, for the gills have now disappeared and lungs have been formed, still bearing a remnant tail behind them, but it soon disappears altogether. A capital account of the disappearance of the tail of the Frog is given by P. M. S. in the Glasgow Citizen as follows:—

"Everyone is conversant with the outward appearance of the Frog in its tadpole phase, but the manner of the metamorphosis which takes place within, as it passes from the minus-forelegs-plus-tail state to the plus-forelegs-minus-tail one, is not so well known.

"The relatively large amount of reserve protoplasm which is stored in the caudal part, is gradually transferred to the other structures, and especially to the upbuilding of the anterior appendages.

"The work is in the hands of a most energetic and capable company of removal contractors in the form 30