2. Some Miscellaneous Observations on the Tadpole, and on the Albumen of the Newly-laid Egg

Extract

On the Tadpole of the Frog.—The author first notices the jelly—the peculiar enveloping matter of the ova—describing its properties and uses,—the latter, according to him, for the double purpose of defending the eggs before being hatched, and affording the tadpoles food after their hatching. He considers the substance of the jelly a variety of albumen.

Secondly, He notices the ova, which he describes as resembling, in their properties and composition, those of fishes.

Thirdly, He enters into some details respecting the growth of the tadpole and its metamorphosis, specially dwelling on the fact, that whilst in the change to the advanced form there is a diminution of volume, there is an increase of solid matter—the young frog having a bony skeleton, which the tadpole is destitute of.