1 88 A GARDEN DIARY 



experience Giraldus relates to us how, upon a 

 certain occasion, a thong of Irish leather was, 

 in his presence, drawn round a toad, and that, 

 "coming to the thong, the animal fell backward 

 as if stunned. It then tried the opposite side 

 of the circle, but, meeting the thong all round, 

 it shrank from it as if it were pestiferous. At 

 last, digging a hole with its feet in the centre 

 of the circle, it disappeared in the presence of 

 much people." 



Our frogs and toads are not likely at present 

 to become an affliction to us. Should they ever 

 do so I must certainly send for some Irish 

 leather, or, failing that, for a pinch of Irish dust, 

 and try its effect upon them. An influence that 

 has been vouched for by such a variety of 

 authorities ought to retain something of its 

 ancient potency. Scientific experiments in any 

 case are always interesting ! 



