The American Toad 



head (into the roof of the mouth, really 1 ), but there is also a thin 

 transparent nictitating membrane that rises, and so helps in the 

 process. (See Fig. 274.) 



There are two straight narrow ridges or crests passing back- 

 ward between the eyes from above the nostrils to a point behind 

 the eyes. Here each crest turns a sharp angle (very nearly a 

 right angle) and passes downward back of the eye to a flat, brown 

 spot posterior to and somewhat underneath the eye. (Fig. 48.) 

 These crests are made by the bones of the crown of the head. 



The flat vertical oval (Colour Plate III) is the external 

 evidence of the ear. There is no external ear, and this spot is the 

 tympanum or drum of the ear, which is at the surface of the 

 body, protected only by the skin which covers it. 



The hand has four fingers. The foot has five toes connected 

 by short thick webs. A short black spur (inner sole tubercle), 

 which is strong and horny, extends downward from the inner mar- 

 gin of the foot just back of the first toe. There is a smaller tuber- 

 cle opposite this, on the sole of the foot. (See Fig. 44.) 



The entire dorsal surface is rough with rounded wart-like 

 elevations of various sizes. Two very large elongated ones (paro- 

 toid glands) are situated just behind the eyes. (See Figs. 47 

 and 48.) 



If we examine many toads during the summer, we find that 

 the colour is usually dull brown, with or without lighter markings 

 forming patches and bands. There is usually a line of lighter 

 shade down the middle of the back. Very often the ground colour 

 is yellowish brown, perhaps darker at the head. The smaller, 

 wart-like elevations may be tipped with red. Those above the 

 ear are often of a bright orange hue. Sometimes there are four 

 larger elevations, or spots of colour, arranged along each side of 



" Sweet are the uses of adversity, 

 Which like the toad, ugly and venomous, 

 Wears yet a precious jewel in his head." Shakespeare. 



" The ungainly toad 

 That crawls from his secure abode, 

 Within the mossy garden wall, 

 When evening dews begin to fall. 

 Oh, mark the beauty of his eye, 

 What wonders in that circle lie! 

 So clear, so bright, our fathers said 

 ' He wears a jewel in his head.' " Shakespeare. 



i See Bullfrog, pp 231,233. 



77 



