AMPHIBIANS 415 
is marked with several irregular rows of dark spots that are usually 
bordered with lighter color, the general color as well as the pattern 
varying: considerably. The under parts are mostly white. This species 
is the first that we hear in the spring if we are near a good “ frog pond.” 
In such a place large numbers of these frogs gather, and their peaceful 
croaking gives the early spring evening an air of contentment. 
Toads. — The toads, of which there are eighty or ninety species, are 
distinguished from frogs by their dull-colored, warty skin, short, puffy 
bodies, and short hind legs, and by their sluggish disposition and poor 
capacity for jumping. The common toad, which everybody knows, 
' Froc Spawn 
deposits its eggs in water in long strings. The young are hatched without 
attention from the parents and develop into tadpoles like those of frogs. 
These in due time lose their gills and tails and after a summer shower 
we often meet in our path large numbers of the young toads, no longer 
than a house fly. At the approach of winter, toads burrow in the ground 
or hide in any sort of deep crevice or hole they can find, and there they 
hibernate through the cold season. Of course, in northern latitudes, 
they must freeze solid during this time, and yet when spring comes it 
calls them to life again. Warm-blooded animals would be killed by such 
an experience. 
Toads live on insects, and like to stay in our gardens to search for 
such as may be found upon the plants. They are therefore distinctly 
beneficial. 
