FROGS AND TOADS. 81 



individual under different conditions. These animals 

 possess some power of colour change. This may be proved 

 by keeping toads in light and dark places in turn, when 

 some response to the difference in the surroundings can 

 generally be made out. Think of the natural environment 

 of the toad, on the moor or amongst scones or grass, 

 and recall how in general it harmonises with its surround- 

 ings. But the toad has very few enemies likely to devour 

 it, and is further protected against interference, as we 

 shall see. 



As we look at the toad resting in front of us, before 

 going on to study details, we may ask the question : What 



Fig. 13. The Common Toad (Bufo vulgaris) in the act of crawling. 

 A figure to suggest movement. 



is our general impression of this creature ? Do we think 

 it is unattractive, awkward ? What is the justification for 

 Shakespeare's " toad, ugly and venomous," or is there any ? 

 Is anything in nature ugly, in its own place ? 



Let us study the toad a little more closely. We take it 

 in the hand. How does it feel ? First, we observe it is 

 cold. Think of the impression received when we hold a 

 live bird as we may at some time have done. The one is 

 cold and the other warm cold-blooded and warm-blooded. 

 We have other impressions, the skin feels clammy, not so 

 much so as in the case of the frog, but still distinctly 

 clammy. Exactly what is included in this expressive 

 term ? Cold, moist, slightly sticky. 



N. S. 6 



