CHAPTER X. 
TOADS. 
HE Bufonide, or true Toads, are either terrestrial, burrow- 
ing, aquatic, or arboreal in habits. They form a fairly 
large family, numbering about ninety-five species. Their 
chief characteristic is the absence of teeth in both jaws. Repre- — 
sentatives of this family are found almost everywhere except 
Australia. 
The Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita, Fig. 82) is a beautiful 
little Batrachian, and is usually a favourite with those who know 
it. It is a member of a large genus, which numbers more than 
eighty species, and which has representatives almost everywhere, 
except in Australia. This Toad is found in some parts of Great 
Britain, but not in others; but when seen, it may be easily dis- 
tinguished from its near relative, the Common Toad (B. vulgaris), 
by its smaller, size, more active movements, its curious gait, its 
brighter colouring, and by the golden or yellow stripe down its 
back. P 
The Natterjack is a very hardy little creature, sometimes 
living for more than ten or twelve years in confinement. It 
soon becomes tame, and quickly learns to accept food from its 
owner’s fingers. Indeed, it will sometimes while held in the hand 
catch flies as they crawl over the window-panes. It appears to 
- be much more intelligent than the Common Toad, and also more 
