THE COMMON TOAD. 121 



toads, gives an excellent illustration of their mode of 

 feeding : — 



My toads, two in number, had lived for a year or two in a 

 hothouse which was devoted to the growth of pineapples. They 

 were, I think, first placed there purposely by the gardener, who 

 found them very useful in destroying insects. I used very fre- 

 quently to visit the place and amuse myself with feeding the 

 toads with worms, and with watching their habits. The heat of 

 the place, which was considerable, did not seem to inconvenience 

 them in the least, for they were remarkably active, and of a large 

 size ; but at the same time they seemed greatly to enjoy the 

 artificial showers when the plants were syringed, and would come 

 out from their hiding-places to be rained upon. They usually 

 remained amongst the pineapple plants, which grew on a bed 

 raised some four feet from the ground, where they sat under the 

 long leaves; but when the place was watered, they would not 

 unfrequently jump down and lie upon the cool, wet tiles of the 

 floor, spreading themselves out as flat as possible. How they 

 climbed up to the pine-bed again I cannot say, for I never saw 

 them do it. 



They evinced very little shyness, taking worms readily when 

 off ere I to them. When feeding, their actions were very curious. 

 Upon placing a worm about three inches from a toad, it would 

 instantly fix its attention upon it. Then its whole appearance was 

 changed. Instead of the dull, lethargic-looking animal that the 

 toad generally appears, it was all vivacity ; the body was in- 

 stantly thrown somewhat back, and the head bent a little down- 

 wards, its bright eye riveted upon its prey ; and though the toad 

 was perfectly still, as long as the worm remained motionless or 

 nearly so, yet its attitude and its eager gaze were full of life 

 and animation. Directly the worm made any active movement, 

 the toad would dart forward, open its mouth from ear to ear, 

 and seize it, generally about the middle. A curious scene now 

 took place : mouth and feet went to work in good earnest ; 

 the worm was gulped down by a series of spasmodic jerks, trying 

 to make its escape every time the mouth was opened, the toad 

 thrusting it back all the time, and forcing it down its throat 

 by the aid of its fore-feet. Altogether it was rather a disgusting 



