TOADS AND TADPOLES 31 



of their appearance differs in the toad tadpoles and the 

 frog tadpoles ; if both kinds are being reared determine 

 this by observation. 



Make a drawing of a tadpole just after its legs appear, 

 and compare with the drawing of the newly hatched 

 tadpole ; make also a drawing of a little toad or frog 

 when it first finishes the tailed tadpole stage and hops 

 out of the water. 



While the development of the tadpoles is going on in 

 the schoolroom observations on the growth and changes 

 of those in the natural ponds outdoors should be made. 

 Does development go on more rapidly indoors than out .'' 

 Where do the little toads and frogs go after they leave the 

 outdoor ponds .' On what do they feed now 1 



Toads and frogs. — Adult toads and frogs are carniv- 

 orous, instead of feeding on tiny plants as in their tadpole 

 stage. They snap up all kinds of insects, worms, and 

 snails ; when full grown they 

 will eat younger frogs, cray- 

 fish, small turtles, and fish, 

 and may also occasionally 

 capture small birds. A few 

 grown-up toads and frogs 

 should be kept in the school- 

 room in a box with at least 

 one glass-side and covered 

 over with netting. Keep a Fig. I7.-Garden toad. (From life.) 



dish of water in the box, and the bottom covered with 

 clean moist sand. Feed the toads live insects, worms, 

 and snails, or bits of raw meat. How does the toad catch 

 its prey or seize the offered food 1 



Both toads and frogs do much good by destroying 

 many insects. One observer, quoted b)' Professor Gage, 

 reports that a single toad disposed of twenty-four cater- 

 pillars in ten minutes, and that another ate thirty-five 



