Owing to the fact that some of the types of animals available for the
study of Zoology in South Africa differ from those described in text
books for students in other countries, it has been found necessary to
draw up special directions and diagrams for laboratory use in this
country. These are now put in the more convenient form of a text
book, which, though intended primarily for the use of the students of
the University of Cape Town, may, it is hoped, prove useful to others
engaged in the teaching and study of Zoology in South Africa.
The general plan of the course intended to be followed is first an
introductory study of a type of vertebrate. The Platana or Clawed
Toad, _Xenopus lævis_, is the most convenient type for this in South
Africa and in some respects is more instructive than the Frog.
Xenopus is therefore chiefly dealt with, but Rana can also be used,
the differences in this type being indicated in italics. It is
recommended that both types be studied where possible.
Only these two types are dealt with here, but may be followed by
descriptions of other South African types, such as the South African
Crawfish, Dogfish, Earthworm, etc.
It is intended that the student should make drawings of his
dissections on the blank page. He should not copy the diagrams, but
draw what he actually sees, and be prepared to demonstrate the parts
to the teacher.
The instruments required are a large and a small pair of scissors, a
large and a small scalpel, moderately fine forceps, a seeker, and
pins.
We are indebted to Mr. W. von Bonde, M.A., for the drawing of Figs.
3-5, 7-10.
J. D. F. G.
C. v. B.
_Zoological Laboratory,
University of Cape Town,
June, 1919._
THE PLATANA (_Xenopus lævis_).
THE FROG (_Rana fuscigula_).
_First Day._
External Characters.