British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs 



When the owner gained possession of the property he 

 occupies, this Toad was already on the ground. It is 

 now over fifty years since that date, and the same Toad 

 looks as active to-day as it was when first observed. 

 There is no room for questioning the veracity of this 

 statement, as the writer has known these facts for many 

 years, and seen this same Toad at all seasons of the 

 year. This aged animal is very tame, and seems to 

 recognize the voice of its owner. It certainly dis- 

 criminates between those belonging to the family and 

 strangers. In its own slow fashion it responds to the 

 call of its owner, and allows itself to be freely handled. 

 In the presence of strangers, however, it is evidently 

 shy, and declines any overtures that may be made, 

 even although a dainty insect be presented as a peace- 

 ofFering. 



To the average person a Toad is not looked upon 

 with any degree of favour. It is considered, from its 

 shape and general habits, to be loathsome, and what a 

 Scot would speak of as " uncanny." This feeling in a 

 great measure arises from prejudice. The Toad is, 

 indeed, a very cleanly and quite harmless creature. It 

 changes its outer garment frequently, and after such 

 sloughing it does not by any means object to dine on 

 its cast-ofF hide. 



It should, however, be stated that a mucus, which 

 does not smell pleasantly, and which is slightly poison- 

 ous, is secreted by its skin. This secretion is harmless 

 enough under ordinary conditions, but it might not 



B.R. 65 9 



