TEACHER'S LEAFLETS 



FOR USE IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

 PREPARED BY 



SECOND EDITION. 



No. 9. 



JUNE 10, 1898. 



THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, 

 CORNELL UNIVERSITY, 



ITHACA, N. Y. 



Issued under Chapter 67 



Laws of 1R9S. 



I. P. ROBERTS, DiR«CTOi 



The Life History of the Toad. 



BY SIMON HENRY GAGE.* 



The life-history of the common or warty toad has been selected 

 for various reasons as the subject of a leaflet in nature study : This 

 history is exceedingly interesting. The marvelous changes passed 

 through in growing from an egg to a toad are so rapid that they may 

 all be seen during a single spring term of school. Toads are found 

 everywhere in New York, and nearly everywhere in the world ; it is 

 easy, therefore, to get abundant material for study. This animal is 

 such a good friend to the farmer, the gardener, the fruit grower, the 

 florist and the stock raiser that every man and woman, every boy and 

 girl ought to know something about it, and thus learn to appreciate 

 their lowly helper. 



And, finally, it is hoped and sincerely believed that the feeHng of 

 repugnance and dislike, and the consequent cruelty to toads, will dis- 

 appear when the children know something about their wonderful 

 changes in form, structure and habits, and how harmless and helpful 

 they are. Then who that knows of the chances, the dangers and 

 struggles in the life of the toad, can help a feeling of sympathy ; for 



* It was the desire of the author to tell the story of this leaflet in pictures 

 as well as in words, and he wishes to express his appreciation of the enthu- 

 siasm and ability with which the illustrations were executed by Mr. C. W. 

 Furlong. 



