In a message dated 96-05-29 16:56:56 EDT, you write:

> Cascades frog's
>egg masses are often laid in communal piles, unattached and among grasses or
>sedges in shallow water, right at the surface. They have black embryos
>(the salamander embryos tend to be more brown or tan) and crystal clear
>jelly.

Kelly,

I really appreciate getting all this information about amphibians. We have
Pacific Tree Frogs in our pond and they have been laying their eggs in masses
attached to the edges of the black plastic pots (holding various sedges and
irises, etc.) and to the stems of the water lily. I am just fascinated
watching all the life in the pond. There are about five different kinds of
bugs (water boatmen and skippers I know for sure, but others I'm not as sure
of). Is there a very good book on amphibians and water bugs so that I could
identify what I have in my pond? (I live in Eastern Washington about five
miles north of Yakima.)

Maia Kelly
Selah, WA