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Show 88 ON THE BBEEDING OF THE SUBINAM WATEB-TOAD. [Jan. 15, The Pipce were supplied first with bits of worms and subsequently with small fishes, and fed freely. They improved rapidly in health and condition. O n December 1st two of them were observed by the keepers to be in copula, one holding on round the middle of the body of the other. They remained in this position about 24 hours. After they had separated it was noticed that the back of one of them had become covered with spawn. The ova were very regularly arranged in shallow pits or cells over the whole of the back and appeared to be 80 or 90 in number. After this the ova seemed to drop out gradually, so far as w e could see by looking into the tank without capturing the animal, and by December 20th had mostly disappeared, leaving only three of the cells occupied by apparently living embryos. These were situated in a nearly straight line across the middle of the back, and were of a yellow colour-no doubt from the large yolk-sac under which they lay. O n January 3rd I thought it would be advisable to ascertain by close examination the exact state of the matter. On that day accordingly the Pipa was caught and placed in a small glass of warm water, in the presence of the Superintendent and Head-keeper and two of the Keepers at the Reptile-house. It was at once apparent that only one cell now contained an embryo, of which we could plainly see the heart beating. During the examination the embryo fell out of the cell, and it being impossible to replace it I had it placed in spirit, and now exhibit it. I thought it best to take the opportunity of having the Pipa photographed, which was very successfully done by M r . Briggs. I now exhibit copies of this photograph (see p. 87). I propose to place the embryo of the Pipa in our Prosector's hands for further examination and description. In conclusion I must record m y best thanks to our Head-keeper, Mr. Arthur Thomson, for his care of and attention to these Batrachians, and for the notes which he had supplied to me, and express a hope that some of the other specimens will breed and furnish us with mere successful results. |
