Author: Oliver Perry Hay

Publisher: Forgotten Books

Published: 2015-07-21

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 9781331926702

Excerpt from The Batrachians and Reptiles of the State of Indiana The Batrachia and Reptilia of the State of Indiana form the subjects of the following pages. In the body of this work I have endeavored to include all the species known to inhabit the State, and to exclude all that are not known to occur within our limits. Since, however, there are several species which are, judging from their geographical distribution, likely hereafter to be taken within the State, I have added their names in an appendix. Of all the species mentioned in this paper I have given as accurate descriptions as I have been able to prepare; and I have endeavored to state also the most important facts known regarding their habits. It is to be hoped that this endeavor will incite others to study our lower vertebrates with respect to their manner of life, since too little is known about even the commonest species. I am indebted to many friends for aid in preparing this work, so many that I can not here mention all their names. Under each species I have tried to give due credit for specimens and notes. I must here, however, acknowledge the liberality of Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Curator of Reptiles in the National Museum, Washington, D. C, in giving me free access to the large collections there; also the kindness of Prof. B. W. Evermann, who allowed me to examine a considerable collection made by himself, mostly in the vicinity of Terre Haute. This collection is the property of the State Normal School. To Prof. S. S. Gorby I owe the opportunity to examine the specimens in the State Museum. Some years ago I had occasion to study a collection made at New Harmony by the late Mr. James Sampson, of that place. For the opportunity of doing this I am indebted to Prof. John Collett. The writings of Agassiz, Cope and other naturalists have been consulted in the earnest desire to obtain a correct idea of our batrachian and reptilian fauna. Nevertheless, I have at times doubtless fallen into error. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.