6i2 li(»-Mi': Nature-Study Course. 



TOADS AND FROGS. 



Preliminary work. — No object will excite more interest in the pupils than a 

 toad or frog in a little, moss garden. The moss garden may be made in a glass 

 aquarium jar or on a plate with a wire screen about it; the essential part of the 

 moss garden is that the moss be placed upon some dish that will not leak, so that it 

 may always be kept wet. It should be deluged with water at least one a day, 

 and should be placed out of the direct sunlight. In such a cage a toad or frog 

 may be kept for weeks and its interesting ways be constantly under the observation 

 of the pupils. The actions of a toad are surprisingly interesting; the editor smiles 

 yet at the memory of the thoughtful way her pet toad rubbed and patted his 

 stomach with his little hands after he had swallowed a June bug. 



The teacher might begin the work by correcting the many false impressions 

 about toads. Foremost of these is that handling a toad causes warts upon the 

 hands; nothing could be more absurd than this notion. Another false idea is that 

 toads c.re rained down; this probably had its origin in the fact that small toads, 

 soon after they leave the water, hide in the crevices of the earth under stones and 

 leaves or wherever dampness is found ; and when the rain comes splashing down 

 they all come out from hiding to enjoy the shower; toads especially enjoy having 

 water sprinkled over them gently. Another fallacy is that toads are found alive in 

 the bedrock of the quarries. The toad can go without food for a long time, but air 

 and dampness are absolutely necessary to its life. 



Another method of beginning the work is to study the eggs and tadpoles. 

 Naturally the children will be interested in the toads which develop from their pet 

 tadpoles; Init wherever the teacher begins she will not fail to find the toad or 

 frog an object of vital interest to the children. 



LESSON LXIV. 

 THE EGGS OF FROGS AND TOADS. 



Purpose. — To teach the pttpils the differences between the eggs of 

 frogs and toads, and to lead them to a careftil observation of the develop- 

 ment of the eggs into tadpoles. 



Material. — Eggs of toads and frogs in an aqtiaritim in the schoolroom, 

 A coinmon magnifying glass, which need not cost more than fifty cents ; 

 this latter is not absohitely necessary, but is a .very desirable adjtinct for 

 the sttidy of the eggs and tadpoles. The eggs may be found in almost any 

 pond about the first of May. 



Ohser^'afioiis. — 



( I ) . Where were the eesfs found and at what date ? 



(2), 



ing free? 



^ (3) 

 (4) 

 (S) 

 (6) 



(7) 

 (8) 



(9) 



-tet)-^ 



Were they attached to anything in the water or were they float- 

 Are the eggs in long strings or in masses of jelly-like sttbstance? 

 How can you tell the eggs of toads from those of frogs? 

 Is the jelly-like substance clear or discolored? 

 A\'hcn the eggs are first laid are they round or elongated? 

 Two or three days later what is their shape? 

 Do the little tadpoles move while they are still in the jelly mass? 

 TTow dfcs the tadpole break from the jt'lly covering of the eggs? 



