122 OUE REPTILES. 



the pineapple plants, which grew on a bed raised some four 

 feet from the ground, where they sat under the long leaves ; 

 but when the place was watered they would not unfrequently 

 jump down and lie upon the cool, wet tiles of the floor, 

 spreading themselves out as flat as possible. How they 

 climbed up to the pine-bed again I cannot say, for I never 

 saw them do it. 



They evinced very little shyness, taking worms readily 

 when offered to them. When feeding, their actions were 

 very curious. Upon placing a worm about three inches from 

 a toad, it would instantly fix its attention upon it. Then its 

 whole appearance was changed. Instead of the dull, lethargic- 

 looking animal that the toad generally appears, it was all 

 vivacity ; the body was instantly thrown somewhat back, 

 and the head bent a little downwards, its bright eye riveted 

 upon its prey ; and though the toad was perfectly still as 

 long as the worm remained motionless or nearly so, yet its 

 attitude and its eager gaze w r ere full of life and animation. 

 Directly the worm made any active movement, the toad 

 would dart forward, open its mouth from ear to ear, and 

 seize it, generally about the middle. A curious scene now 

 took place ; mouth and feet went to work in good earnest ; 

 the worm was gulped down by a series of spasmodic jerks, 

 trying to make its escape every time the mouth was opened, 

 the toad thrusting it back all the time, and forcing it down 

 its throat by the aid of its fore-feet. Altogether it was rather 

 a disgusting sight, and gave one the idea that the toad is an 

 uncommonly greedy animal. 



Having got the worm down was by no means a reason 

 that it would stay there, for I have sometimes seen a worm 

 rather larger than usual make its way up again ; however, 

 the feet would immediately go to work a second time, and 

 the toad would at length remain the undisputed possessor of 

 its own dinner. 



Frequently I used to cheat the toads by moving a small 

 twig before them. They would seize it directly, imagining 



