British Reptiles and Amphibians 



lead to pleasant consequences were it to reach the 

 mucous membranes of the eye or mouth. Evidently 

 it is this secretion which induces dogs to leave Toads 

 severely alone. 



Towards the latter end of April or in the early 

 days of May the Toad lays its eggs in the water of 

 some pond or ditch. These eggs are extremely curious- 

 looking objects as they are seen clinging to the aquatic 

 weeds. Attached to the plant is a sort of double cord, 

 somewhat transparent, inside of which are the tiny eggs. 

 As these mature the cords swell considerably, and in 

 some ten or twelve days the Tadpoles issue from their 

 jelly-like covering. The newly-born Tadpoles adhere 

 tenaciously to their floating cord for some days, but 

 ultimately settle upon the adjacent vegetation. It will 

 be observed that they retain their positions by the aid 

 of a sucker beneath their throats. During the early 

 stages of their growth they alter in outward appearance 

 by the external gills shrinking and the hind-legs being 

 formed. A few weeks later the fore-limbs appear, 

 while the Tadpole tail is dispensed with. It is then 

 that the young Toad " goes up country " and invades 

 the pastures. From that hour the Toad is much more 

 of a terrestrial creature as compared, say, with the 

 Frog ; indeed, it, in future, visits water for one pur- 

 pose only — i.e., to deposit its spawn. 



Toads are minus teeth in either jaw. They own 

 thick, short limbs, and these are placed well up towards 

 the head ; the hind-limbs are not adapted for leaping 



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