FROGS AND BIRDS 101 



While the development of the tadpoles is going on in the 

 schoolroom observations on the growth and changes of 

 those in the natural ponds outdoors should be made. Does 

 development go on more rapidly indoors than out? Where 

 do the little toads and frogs go after they leave the outdoor 

 ponds ? 



Toads and frogs. Adult toads and frogs are carniv- 

 orous, instead of feeding on tiny plants as in their tadpole 

 stage. They snap up all 

 kinds of insects, worms, and 

 snails; when full grown they 

 will eat younger frogs, cray- 

 fish, small turtles, and fish, 

 and may also occasionally 

 capture small birds. A few 

 grown-up toads and frogs 

 should be kept in the school- 

 room in a box With at least FlG ' 43 ' Garden toad. 



one glass-side and covered over with netting. Keep a dish of 

 water in the box, and the bottom covered with clean moist 

 sand. Feed the toads live insects, worms, and snails, or 

 bits of raw meat. How does the toad catch its prey or 

 seize the offered food? 



Both toads and frogs do much good by destroying many 

 insects. One observer, quoted by Professor Gage, reports 

 that a single toad disposed of twenty-four caterpillars in 

 ten minutes, and that another ate thirty-five celery- worms 

 within three hours. This observer estimates that a good- 

 sized toad will destroy nearly ten thousand insects and worms 

 in a single summer. The garden can have no more desirable 

 animal inhabitants than toads; not only should they not be 

 killed but it would be worth while to introduce them into flower 

 and vegetable gardens where they are not naturally present. 



For a good account of tadpole-rearing see "The Life of a Toad," 

 by Professor S. H. Gage. 



