THE FRESH WATERS 175 



there, wriggling farther in when disturbed. 

 They take four years to reach their full size, 

 and then, within a few weeks, they undergo 

 the change to the adult form. 



The River Lamprey, which is still abundant 

 in the Severn and some other English rivers, 

 grows larger, and usually spends a part of its 

 life in the sea. It used to be considered a table 

 delicacy, and it was from the effects of too 

 hearty a meal of these lampreys that Henry II. 

 is said to have died. They are still caught in 

 considerable numbers, but are chiefly used for 

 bait. There is a still larger Sea Lamprey, 

 that spawns in rivers. 



FROM WATER TO LAND 



We shall find an instance of animals that 

 seem to be on their way from fresh water to 

 terrestrial life in a very familiar group the 

 frogs and toads, with their more distant cou- 

 sins, the newts and salamanders. 



We need not go over the life-history of the 

 frogs and toads, because any of us can watch it 

 for ourselves, and it is very much better to see 

 things than to read about them if it is possible. 

 We have only to listen for the croaking of the 



