272 THE NEWT 



cannot muster sufficient courage to handle one, he may, at all 

 events, extend care and protection to an extremely useful animal, 

 placing when one is seen in jeopardy in a place of safety by taking 

 in a shovel. 



If any person possesses a frame, greenhouse., etc., no anima] 

 exists better capable of rendering service in the destruction of 

 woodlice than the ugly, sprawling, awkward toad, and we ask 

 that it be given a chance to display its merits, placing at least one 

 in every frame, pit, or house. If lean and frog-like (Fig. 150, i), 

 when placed in the structure, it will soon broaden out, sometimes 

 attaining a large size (2), fine specimen, reaching nearly i Ib. in 

 weight. Where there is some soft earth the toad soon digs a hiding- 

 place, working backwards and pushing out the loose earth in front, 

 thus wriggling itself into the ground and keeping its head towards 

 the entrance of the hole. A few clods of earth and a slate placed 

 over them in the corner of a frame, pit, bed or house (3) will soon 

 be taken possession of by woodlice and an introduced toad. Where 

 no soil or soft material exists for the animal to hide in, two bricks 

 may be set on edge about 3 in. apart against a wall, covering 

 with a tile or slate. If in a corner and about three-parts filled 

 with cocoa refuse, spent tan or loose earth, the toad will speedily 

 take possession of the " house " and keep therefrom a watchful 

 eye on woodlice. Some loose material should be placed against 

 the bricks and on the slate, but not entirely closing the opening. 



The toad hibernates a shorter time during the winter in green- 

 houses, stoves, etc., than outdoors, retiring, as a rule, early in 

 autumn stout and sleek. After a few weeks' repose it comes forth 

 relatively lean and eager for feeding on woodlice. In return for 

 services rendered at no cost, only perhaps a small outlay for 

 possession, the toad requires care, not injuring it in moving 

 soil, etc., with spade, fork, or shovel, and not treading upon it in 

 looking round the houses at night for ascertaining temperatures, 

 and when, in case of raised beds or pits, the animal be found 

 fallen on pathways, lifting it up to the proper quarters. 



NEWT. The newts (Triton tceniatus) and great water-newt 

 (T. cristatus) are sometimes placed in water-lily tubs, and kept there 

 by means of a zinc rim two inches wide all round top of tub, so as 

 to project one inch over the water, the water being kept two inches 

 lower than the rim. A few large pieces of cork bark are also fixed 

 to float, forming a small island on which is set a fern in moss and 

 a little soil, securing, the cork with copper wire, so it cannot float 

 to side. This island is for newts and tritons to get on and attract 

 flies, etc., which they catch and eat. The " island " is imperative 

 for the newts to get on, for they won't live if always under water. 



