PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY. 



447 



The utility of the toad as an insect destroyer has long been recognized. 

 Our agricultural literature is full of references to the subject. Yet I know 

 not that any accurate scientific investigation of the food of the species has 

 been made. It is true that many times the contents of their stomachs have 

 been examined, but I can find no reference to any instances in which an 

 attempt has been made to discover whether the insects found therein were 

 beneficial or injurious to agriculture. Hence I have thought an accurate, 

 scientific examinaciou even of a very few specimens would be of value in test- 

 ing the popular belief that these animals are of real benefit to the agriculturist. 



BUFO LENTIGINOSUS.-road. 



