CHECK LIST OF THE 



form the Toads and Hylas leave the water, only returning to it for the 

 purpose of depositing their eggs. The Ranidae (Frogs) are more or less 

 aquatic when adult. 



FAMILY BUFONID^E. (THE TOADS.) 

 GENUS BUFO. 



fn'i Bufo leutiginosus. 

 (American Toad.) 



The form found in Ontario is B. 1. americanus. Common every-j 

 where. Unfortunately it is the victim of ignorance and prejudice and 

 is often wantonly destroyed because of its somewhat unprepossessing 

 appearance. From an agricultural standpoint, however, it is one of the 

 most valuable animals we have and should be protected with the great- 

 est care. 



By the ignorant and superstitious the Toad is supposed to be pos- 

 sessed of some very remarkable powers ; thus even in this age of pro- 

 gress we hear .of the ability of the Toad to spit poison ; to produce warts 

 on the hands of persons who handle it; to poison children by its breath, 

 and several other dreadful things. On the other hand, it is credited with 

 bringing good luck to the family in whose cellar it takes up its abode. 

 It is also said that the application of living Toads to cancer will effect a 

 permanent cure, and that the animal carries a most valuable jewel in its 

 head. All of which is false and ridiculous. Toads are perfectly harm- 

 less, though the skin does secrete a peculiar fluid which is distasteful to 

 dogs, but not so to birds, and many other animals, for they feed upon 

 them largely. 



The Toad is of direct service to man by reason of the fact that its 

 food consists of insects exclusively and that it is one of the few animals 

 which can adapt itself alike to the farm and garden and will even be 

 perfectly contented if confined in a greenhouse or propagating frame. 



FAMILY HYLID^E. (THE TREE FROGS.) 



Fingers and toes more or less dilated into viscous disks at their tips. 

 Noted for their loud voices, some of them being heard at all times from 

 early spring until frost comes. 



GENUS ACRIS. 



(12) Acris gryllus. 



(Cricket Frog.) 



The Ontario form is A. g. crepitans. This can scarcely be considered 

 a Tree Frog. Its home is in the high grasses surrounding the marsh, 

 where, if disturbed, it can take refuge in the water. 



