366 COMMON FROGS AND TOADS 



condition of skin that makes them look very unlike 

 what they are when humidity and food abound. 



When in full activity, and especially during 

 the breeding season, the tubercles on their skins 

 are full of a thick whitish secretion, which exudes 

 on any external pressure or when the animal is 

 excited or alarmed. It possesses highly acrid and 

 irritant properties, as is very evident from the effect 

 that it produces on dogs. Sporting terriers, in 

 default of any nobler game, are very ready to put 

 up with a toad-hunt, and when new to the country, 

 will often lay hold on their quarry. A single 

 experience of the results of doing so is, however, 

 usually enough to teach them an effectual lesson 

 of avoidance. Even very slight contact causes 

 them to foam at the mouth and to go about 

 shaking their heads from side to side with signs of 

 extreme disgust, and a good grip is usually followed 

 by such symptoms, together with violent sickness 

 and evidences of great general depression. Most 

 dogs, therefore, ^soon become very cautious of 

 touching toads, and it is often very diverting to 

 observe the conflict between desire to seize the 

 game and dread of coming into contact with it. 

 In some cases, however, no experience is effectual, 

 and, in the excitement of the chase, prudence goes 

 to the wall, with disastrous results. The toads seem 

 to be quite aware of the protective nature of their 

 venom, and in many cases obstinately refuse to stir 



