202 BACKBONED ANIMALS. 
where the eggs are hatched in about six days, the young 
leaving the water in three weeks. The toads hibernate 
during the winter in burrows, and often have special nests 
for retreat during the day. 
NotTE.—The tales concerning their poisonous properties, and power 
of living in solid rock, are fabulous. A South American species mews 
like a cat, while the European fire-bellied toad utters an extraordinary 
moan. Toads are extremely valuable as destroyers of noxious insects, 
and are in turn preyed upon by snakes. 
Fic. 244.-—Flying tree-toad of Borneo (Rhacophorus). 
Tree-Toads (Ayiide)—The tree-toads are the most 
interesting of the order. They are all of small size, and 
have the tips of the fingers and toes provided with a disk 
