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Show 1895.] OF SOME TEEE-FEOGS OF BEAZIL. 93 back, as well as the transverse dark bars of the hind legs, are very distinct. In the literature at m y disposal I can find only one figure of Hyla faber-that given by Prince Maximilianl, underside and lateral view. The figure is tolerable, and easily recognizable. But concerning the underside I must remark that Hyla faber exhibits a very beautiful orange tinge, and not the whitish colour (due to spirit preservation) shown in the figure. Hyla faber is easily kept alive for a considerable time, even without special care ; it is a tolerably hardy Tree-Frog, and could be, I am convinced, transported quite well, alive, to England, especially during the European summer. I feel really happy to have succeeded in clearing up the natural history of one of the most remarkable forms of tailless Batrachians in South America, a Tree-Frog which will ever attract the attention and curiosity of all lovers of nature. H o w many times have I not been questioned as to the scientific name of this " ferreiro," both by Brazilians and foreigners ; how often have they not been alluded to in the books of travellers! I find that Hensel observed in Rio Grande do Sul pools similar to those above described, which he attributes to Cystignathus ocellatus. The description makes me almost sure that the pools seen by Hensel and by m e had the same origin, and that the author was wrong in his supposition. Hensel was a good naturalist, but in this case I maintain most positively that, though Cystignathus ocellatus is very often to be found together with Hyla faber in the same locality and pond, the nursery-pools in the Serra dos Orgaos are constructions due to Hylafaber. I have all the more reason to maintain this assertion against the authority of the distinguished German naturalist, as I myself, prior to 1893, attributed the pools to Cystignathus. Really the error is easy to understand, as during the day the most frequent Batra-chian to be seen in these localities is the last-named big and well-known frog, whilst Hyla faber works at the pools only during the night, keeping hidden during tbe day. This mistake, as I think, has been repeated by others on Hensel's authority (see Mr. Boulenger's remarks in connection with Dr. von Ihering's note on the oviposition of Phyllomedusa, Ann. & Mag. N . H . ser. 5, xvii. p. 464). 2. HYLA POLYT^ENIA, Cope. Hyla rubicundula, Giinther, nee Reinhardt et Lutken. The charming little Tree-Frog, of which an excellent figure was given by Dr. Giinther in 1868 2, is very frequent in the Serra dos Orgaos. At Colonia Alpina half a dozen or more can 1 ' Abbildungen zur Naturgeschichte Brasiliens,' tab. 49. 2 " First Account of Species of Tailless Batrachians added to the Collection of the British Museum," P. Z. S. 1868, pi. xl. fig. 3. t, |
