THE COMMON TOAD 



271 



mound so as to make tortuous burrow-like cavities, open externally 

 and closed at about 18 in. from the entrances. On the material 

 so disposed place about 18 in. depth of earth and plant peri- 

 winkle on the mound. This domicile will be more ornamental than 

 otherwise, and answers admirably in a somewhat shaded and se- 

 cluded situation. 



FIG. 150. COMMON TOAD. 

 r. When introduced to glass structure. 2. After high feeding on pests. 3. Shelter. 



We have kept toads in cold and heated frames and pits, green- 

 houses and hothouses, mushroom houses, etc., and found them 

 invaluable in clearing woodlice in cucumber and melon frames, 

 pits and houses, tomato and fruit structures, pineapple and plant 

 stoves, greenhouses, orchid houses, ferneries and mushroom sheds. 

 The animals are quite harmless and inoffensive, not poisonous, 

 yet secreting an acid liquid from the large tubercles, so that dogs 

 do not care to bite them. The appearance of the creature may 

 not be pleasant, but the eyes are beautiful : and though a person 



