CHAPTER XVIII 



FROGS AND TOADS 



Two frogs and three toads are known in the Broadland. 



1. Common garden toad, or land toad. 



2. Water-toad — a Hghter-coloured creature frequenting 

 the dikes. 



3. Running toad, with a bright yellow stripe up his back; 

 the frequenter of hedgerows and marshes. 



The two frogs are : — 



1. Common frog of the dikes, varying in size and colour. 



2. Small yellow frog, or land frog, found in the harvest- 

 fields ; the children delighting to prick him, when he is said 

 to " shriek like a child." 



The Garden Toad 



Makes a form in the grass during hot weather in which to 

 shelter himself; and should you come upon him, he will squat 

 with his bright eyes fixed upon you all the time. 



They are very fond of beetles, and you may see them in 

 an onion-bed sight their quarry (invisible to you) ere they 

 run two or three inches and dart upon it. 



The Water-Toad 



Is found in the early spring in the warming dike waters, 

 often in the embraces of love, rolling over and over under 

 water, or sitting wrapt in each other's arms (the little male 

 above) under water on some water plants. 



The male is darker in colour than the female ; but you may 



