188 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
but the Toad ranks first in the list of useful species. Although 
mainly insectivorous, the depredation on insect life made by the 
frogs is chiefly confined to the borders of ponds and streams, or 
to the marshes; in fact, to places not available for agriculture. 
The Toad, on the contrary, is a terrestrial species, inhabiting the 
open country and abounding over stretches of farmland. Here 
at twilight multitudes of toads issue forth to prey upon all 
forms of insect life, continuing the hunt throughout the night, 
and retiring at dawn for digestion. The examination of a toad’s 
stomach after a nocturnal excursion will reveal an amazing 
number of insect forms, among which may always be found 
species that are destructive to agricultural products. 
Among the writings of Shakespeare there are allusions to 
the venomous character of the Toad which have inspired in- 
numerable scientists to clash in argument. Comparatively re- 
cent anatomical investigations have resulted in the discovery 
that a milky secretion contained in the swollen glands situated 
behind the eyes and in minute glands scattered over the surface 
of the skin possesses decidedly poisonous properties. When this 
fluid is injected into the blood of small mammals, marked 
symptoms at once develop and speedy death follows. The 
symptoms produced have been described as similar to those due 
to the use of digitalis, the action being upon the nerve centers 
and the heart. The effect upon any unwary dog that seizes a 
toad in its jaws is at once evident. There are immediate signs 
of distress, and the animal soon foams at the mouth and champs 
its jaws as if in considerable pain. These symptoms continue 
for an hour or more. 
When the larger glands on the head are compressed, tiny jets 
of a sticky white fluid are ejected to a distance of three or four 
inches. Through accident the writer has discovered that this 
fluid is intensely bitter to the taste. In spite of this poisonous 
secretion, the Toad is generally harmless when handled. The 
story of wart-producing powers, furthermore, is purely falla- 
cious. The secretion in the glands which have been mentioned 
is dangerous only when injected directly into the blood of small 
animals, but nevertheless Shakespeare’s much-combated refer- 
ences have been proved to have abundant foundation in fact. 
