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The Descent of Man

The Descent of Man

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subserve the same end as the above-mentioned<br />

prominences.) It is surprising that these animals<br />

have not acquired more strongly-marked<br />

sexual characters; for though cold-blooded<br />

their passions are strong. Dr. Gunther informs<br />

me that he has several times found an unfortunate<br />

female toad dead and smothered from<br />

having been so closely embraced by three or<br />

four males. Frogs have been observed by Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />

H<strong>of</strong>fman in Giessen fighting all day long<br />

during the breeding-season, and with so much<br />

violence that one had its body ripped open.<br />

Frogs and toads <strong>of</strong>fer one interesting sexual<br />

difference, namely, in the musical powers possessed<br />

by the males; but to speak <strong>of</strong> music,<br />

when applied to the discordant and overwhelming<br />

sounds emitted by male bull-frogs and<br />

some other species, seems, according to our<br />

taste, a singularly inappropriate expression.<br />

Nevertheless, certain frogs sing in a decidedly<br />

pleasing manner. Near Rio Janeiro I used <strong>of</strong>ten

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