.376 Mr. Jenvns on the Natter-Jack, 



occasionally delighted much in a pan of water, in which they 

 would float motionless for half an hour together, having all their 

 legs stretched out, and no part of'their body except their head 

 above the surface. But the great distinguishing habit of this 

 .species is its mode of i^rogression. Unlike the Frog, in this 

 respect, which advances by regular leaps; and the Toad, whose 

 ])ace is seldom exerted beyond that of a slow crawl ; the Natter- 

 Jack has a kind of .shuffling run, whicli is seen to most advan- 

 tage when it is following its prey, and by which means, it is 

 enabled, when in full health and activity, to get over its ground 

 with considerable quickness. 



The general outwai'd appearance of this animal is, as I before 

 observed, similar to that of the common Toad ; nevertheless, 

 the following , description will serve to discriminate it from that 

 species. 



Upper part of the body yellowish -brown, clouded here and 

 there with shades of a darker colour, and covered with porous 

 warts and pimples of various sizes, which are generally black, 

 enclosing a red spot. A bright golden yellow line runs down 

 the back, extending from the top of the head to the anus, and 

 is very characteristic of the species. Over each shoulder, behind 

 the eyes, is a slight dash of brick red. The under parts are 

 thickly covered with warts of a whitish hue, which are large 

 and more scattered towards the posterior, smaller and moi'e 

 inowded towards the anterior extremity. Besides these, the 

 whole of the abdomen, the sides, and in some instances the 

 breast and throat, are thinly spotted with black. Chin white. 

 Eyes somewhat elevated, and projecting. Tongue connected with 

 tlie lower jaw as far as the lip, from whence it extends into 

 a kind of si)atula which is folded back upon itself, when not in 

 use. Feet spotted with black ; the spots, in some instances, uniting 

 to form transverse bands. The anterior pair with four divided 



