COMMON TOAD. 119 
when on arriving at the spot above described, they saw what 
was to them a totally unprecedented sight. A Toad was 
squatted on the ground, with its front elevated, holding 
the head ofa viper in its mouth. The viper writhed its 
body occasionally, as if trying to escape, but its exertions 
were to no purpose. After watching the two animals for a 
short time, one of the party attempted to separate the vic- 
tim from its enemy with a stick; but failing in this, he 
threw both together into the glen below. The counte- 
nance of the toad evinced much ferocity, and its eyes 
glared. The entire head of the viper was in the Toad’s 
mouth, which seemed completely filled in consequence, and 
its jaws were perfectly closed; and yet it did not appear 
at all inconvenienced by the mouthful, respiring apparently 
without effort. 
“The gentleman who, with his two companions, wit- 
nessed this, and who has related it to me, is the Rev. John 
Phillips, Vicar of Ninfield, near Battle, and I am his curate. 
“ Should this relation be as curious as it appears to me, 
it will doubtless be worth your notice; but should it be 
nothing unusual, I must beg you will pardon my thus 
troubling you, and I may be permitted to remain, 
“¢ Sir, 
‘* Your humble servant, 
‘“‘ And well-wisher in the cause of Natural History, 
(Signed) ‘* Epwarp H. M. Stapen.” 
‘¢ Further to authenticate this account, I have requested 
Mr. Phillips to add his signature. 
(Signed) ‘‘ Joun Puriurrs.” 
Like the other Amphibia, and the Reptilia generally, 
the Toad sheds its skin at certain intervals, the old cuticle 
coming off, and leaving a new one which had been formed 
underneath in its stead. There are some very remarkable 
