British Reptiles and Amphibians 



had not given Newts much attention, because he found 

 they were "dangerous." He believed they attacked 

 cattle, and often caused cows to retain their milk, and 

 as a good citizen he could not conscientiously retain 

 them about his premises. Superstition dies hard. 



CHAPTER V 



BRITISH amphibians: toads and frogs 



The Common Toad (Bufo vulgaris, Plate XVI., 

 on the cover). 



Like the stories that periodically find vent through 

 the medium of the daily Press regarding the unex- 

 pected appearances of Sea-Serpents, stories related of 

 the Toad have gained for that animal somewhat of a 

 like notoriety. One reads of this creature being em- 

 bedded in solid rock for centuries, or of its being 

 liberated from the core of some monarch of the forest 

 after untold ages. Perhaps all such stories are myths ; 

 yet, nevertheless, the Toad is a creature that has a 

 lengthened existence, and may live to great age if 

 accidents do not cut short its career. Many instances 

 might be quoted to prove that the Toad lives at least 

 the average span allotted to man himself. The writer 

 can submit a well-authenticated example of such 

 longevity. In a sea-coast town of Forfarshire he has 

 repeatedly seen and handled a Toad that is owned by 

 a gentleman who takes a special pride in his pet. 



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