3o6 



THE WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



Toad catching its Prey 



animal immediately, and begin to foam at the mouth. And in 

 such a case he can very seldom be induced to take up a toad again. 

 Perhaps it was the possession of this liquid that gave rise to the 

 old idea that toads are poisonous. In some parts of the country, 

 even now, these animals are dreaded far more than adders, while 



they are even said to spit fire 

 into the wounds which they in- 

 flict! 



That many of these animals 

 do secrete a virulent substance 

 in certain cells in their skins is 

 well exemplified in the fact, that 

 in some parts of the world matter 

 obtained from their skins is used 

 by the natives for poisoning 

 their arrows. 



Another curious legend con- 

 cerning the toad is, that it carries a very valuable jewel in its head, 

 which disappears as soon as it dies. And it was said that the only 

 way to obtain this gem was to place the animal on a piece of 

 scarlet cloth. The toad, in its delight at the brilliant colour, would 

 then drop its precious treasure for a moment, so that a quick hand 

 might gain possession of it ! 



Toads, like frogs, live chiefly on insects, and have tongues 

 formed in the same curious way. Sometimes, too, a toad will eat 

 a worm. It is very amusing to watch him doing this, for the 

 worm, which he always seizes by the middle, twists and wriggles 

 about, and for some little time prevents him from swallowing it. 

 But at last he seizes it with his fore paws and crams it into his 

 mouth; and then, with a sudden gulp, it is gone. 



At times, too, the toad swallows a still more singular article of 

 diet. This is his own skin! Every few months he casts his skin, 

 like a snake ; and as soon as he has thrown it off", he seizes it with 

 his paws, rolls it up into a ball, and swallows it ! 



