232 BULL-FROG. COMMON TOAD. 



THE BULL-FROG. 



These animals are very large, and are capable of 

 springing three yards at a single leap, by which means 

 they can keep pace with a horse going full speed. The 

 noise they make resembles the roaring of a bull, but it is 

 somewhat more hoarse ; and, when numbers unite in the 

 horrid concert, few persons can listen to it without dis- 

 agreeable sensations. 



Bull-frogs will kill and eat the young of the poultry 

 kind, and, if hurt, utter a plaintive note much like the 

 crying of children. As soon as the air begins to cool in 

 autumn, they plunge into the mud of stagnant waters, 

 and lie torpid during winter ; but on the approach of 

 spring, they issue forth, and again exercise their native 

 activity. They are supposed, by the people of Virginia, 

 in which country they abound, to be purifiers of water ; 

 and, for that reason, are respected as the genii of foun- 

 tains. 



THE COMMON TOAD. 



The toad bears a general resemblance to the frog ; but 

 is much more unsightly in its appearance, and seldom can 

 be viewed without disgust. Yet it is said by those who 

 have resolution to examine it with attention, to have very 

 fine eyes ; to which Shakspeare alludes when he makes 

 Juliet remark, 



Some say the lark and loathed toad change eyes. 



Its natural deformity, and the abhorrence with which 

 mankind generally regard it, have given rise to many fic- 

 titious qualities that confirm the prejudices conceived 

 against it. Its very look has been supposed fatal ; of its 

 entrails, fancied poisonous potions have been composed ; 

 and it has been deemed a principal ingredient in admi- 

 nistering the incantations of nocturnal hags. On the 

 other hand, some old writers have believed that its head 



