174 



THE RIVER-SIDE NATURALIST. 



frogs, to which they were primarily impelled by the sexual 

 instinct." 



The change in colour in the frog arises from variations 

 in temperature, effects of light or absence of the same, and 

 other causes, one of which is fear, which is exhibited in 

 a great degree when the frog is under the influence or in 

 the jaws of the common snake. 



The Rana Scotica is comparatively rare, and has been 

 confounded by authors with the Rana esculenta, or edible 

 frog, but it is, we believe, a question whether this latter 

 is indigenous to this country. 



THE TOADS. 



Of the Toads there are two British species. One, the 

 COMMON TOAD or PADDOCK (Bufa vulgaris), is often met 

 with in our rambles. It is an inoffensive, harmless creature, 

 much despised and often killed from ignorant prejudice 

 on the supposition that it is venomous. It can be easily 



THE TOAD. 



tamed, and is susceptible of considerable attachment to 

 those who treat it with kindness. Pennant in his " British 

 Zoology " (Appendix) gives a very interesting anecdote in 

 relation to this. 



In olden days the toad, or a part of the animal, was 

 a necessary ingredient in the witches' potions, be they 

 administered to the love-sick or for baser purposes. 



