20 FAMILIAR LIFE IN FIELD AND FOREST. 



Finally, after the consummation of tlie metamorpho- 

 sis, they appear in a completed form (tinier than that 

 of the Hylm at the same age) along the margin of 

 the water — veritable pygmy toads. 



In midsummer the toad takes up his abode under 

 one's doorstep, and issues forth in the early evening 

 to secure his insect food. I have a great admiration 

 for a certain big fellow who frequents my garden 

 during the night season and makes way with an im- 

 mense number of insects. He is not disturbed by 

 my presence in the cool of the evening when I water 

 the flowers, and hops about in and out among the 

 poppies and nasturtiums with full confidence that his 

 presence there is welcome. I know exactly where 

 his home is (under the front steps) and can tell pretty 

 nearly at what time he will sally out in the gloaming. 

 He is undoubtedly a creature of systematic habits, 

 and possesses but one fault: he strays beyond the 

 garden limits, and establishes himself about 10 p. m. 

 on the plank walk outside. Here he is in constant 

 danger of being stepped upon with others of his kind 

 who will not stay in the grass. 



If one has not an unconquerable aversion to toads 

 it is worth while to corner a big fellow and scratch 

 him on the back. If he is scratched on the right 

 side he will lean over that way, just as a eat does 

 whose cheek is rubbed ; if scratched on the left side 



