22O FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



comes forth to feed about sunset. Like the other 

 Amphibia it hibernates in holes in the ground, often in 

 companies, though generally solitary in its habits. 

 We have previously described the assemblies for breed- 

 ing purposes. The general colour is brownish above 

 with darker markings, whitish below with black spots. 

 Length, 3^ inches ; the male smaller. The Tadpole is 

 darker than that of the Frog. 



NATTERJACK. This is a rather better-looking Toad than 

 B. calamita. the common species, the colours being 



brighter. It is easily distinguished by 

 the light yellowish stripe down the back. The general 

 colour is olive-brown, darkest on the flanks, and besides 

 the stripe just mentioned, it has small light patches 

 scattered over the body, while the marks and pimples 

 are reddish. The under parts are yellowish with black 

 spots, and there are dark bands on the legs. In Shrop- 

 shire it has only been recorded at Lutwyche, by Mr. 

 R. B. Benson, and at Broseley, by Mr. G. Potts. There 

 is little doubt that it often passes unnoticed, as few persons 

 take any interest in such humble creatures as Toads. 

 The Author will be glad to hear from anyone who may 

 chance to find the Natterjack elsewhere in Shropshire. 

 In places where it does occur it is often found in numbers. 

 It is much more active than the Common Toad, its 

 hind-limbs are longer, and though it does not leap, it 

 sometimes moves at a pace almost amounting to a run. 

 The feet are only slightly webbed and it does not seek 

 water except in the breeding season. The spawn is in 

 long chains, as in the Common Toad, and it is said to 

 be deposited in June, and to develop rapidly. At this 

 season the Natterjack utters a loud hoarse croak, which 



