28 THE FALL OF THE YEAR 



The toadfish lives entirely unmolested by enemies, 

 so far as I can learn ; and his appearance easily ex- 

 plains the reason of it. I know of nothing that would 

 willingly enter a croaking, snapping, slimy toadfish's 

 nest to eat him ; and it takes some courage to put 

 one's hand into his dark hole and pull him out. 



His principal diet seems to be shrimp, worms and 

 all kinds of small fish. Yet he may be said to have 

 no principal diet ; for, no matter what you are fish- 

 ing for, or what kind of bait you are using, if there 

 is a toadfish in the vicinity you are sure to catch 

 him. If fishing along a wharf in September, you may 

 catch the fish, and an old shoe along with him — 

 with her, perhaps I should say. 



And if you do, please notice how wise and thought- 

 ful the face, how beautifully marbled the skin, how 

 courageous the big strong jaw ! 



Ugly ? Not if you will put yourself in the toad- 

 fish's shoe. 



