296 A FARMER'S YEAR 



seldom on view. (Martha, there is reason to fear, has recently 

 eaten Babette.) 



These toads are strange and interesting creatures, differing 

 much from each other in appearance and character. Martha is 

 stout and dark-coloured, a bold-natured toad of friendly habit ; 

 Jane, on the other hand, is pale and thin, with a depressed air 

 which suggests resignation born of long experience of circum- 

 stances over which she has no control. Some of this depression 

 may be due to the fact that once, entering the greenhouse in the 

 twilight, I trod upon her accidentally, a shock from which she 

 seems never to have recovered, although, owing to the adaptive 

 powers of toads, beyond a slight flattening she took no physical 

 harm from an adventure which must have been painful. Indeed, 

 I am not sure that of the two of us I did not suffer most, for I 

 know of few things more upsetting than the feel of a fat toad 

 beneath one's foot. Anyhow, since that day Jane has looked 

 reproachful and never quite trusted me. 



These toads I feed with lobworms, or sometimes with wood- 

 lice and centipedes taken from traps made of hollowed-out 

 potatoes, which are set among the flowerpots to attract such 

 creatures. In the latter case the insects must be thrown before 

 the toad, which never seems to see them until they begin to run, 

 although, its ears being quick, it can sometimes hear them as they 

 move along the floor behind it. 



When a toad catches sight of an insect its attitude of profound 

 repose changes to one of extraordinary and alarming animation. Its 

 swivel eyes seem to project and fix themselves upon the doomed 

 creature off which it is about to lunch ; its throat begins to 

 palpitate with violence, and its general air betrays intense and 

 concentrated interest. Presently, from contemplation it proceeds 

 to action. By slow but purposeful movements of its crooked 

 limbs it advances ; pauses, and advances again, till at length it 

 reaches a position which it considers convenient. Then, just as 

 the centipede gains a sheltering pebble, a long pink flash seems 

 to proceed from the head of the toad. That is its tongue. 



