OBSERVATIONS ON TEE COMMON TOAD. 99 



May 9th. After the spawning season is over they seldom resort 

 to water, except occasionally in very hot weather, or when they 

 are suffering from the attack of a species of fly (Musca), which 

 deposits its eggs under the skin or within the nostrils. 



The case of the Toad after these eggs are hatched is wretched 

 in the extreme, and has been fully described by the late Mr. 

 Newman in one of the admirable series of articles entitled 

 " Collected Observations on British Reptiles " (' Zoologist,' Sept. 

 1869, p. 1830). 



An irresistible impulse drives these helpless and defenceless 

 creatures forth every spring in quest of water, but a considerable 

 proportion never reach it, but perish by the way from some mis- 

 hap or other ; while others, more or less injured by wheels, 

 hoofs, &c, manage to reach their destination in a maimed and 

 mutilated condition, minus a few fingers or toes, or even a whole 

 limb. The wound soon heals, and, handicapped as they are, 

 they nevertheless make shift to move about in some fashion, both 

 on land and in water. In March the roads near their breeding 

 places are sometimes so crowded with Toads that it is difficult to 

 avoid treading on them. I once counted six males within three 

 square yards, and the next day took four from a small under- 

 ground cistern not more than a foot square. At this season, 

 before they reach the water, there seems to be a tendency among 

 the males towards assembling in small groups of from three to 

 five or more. 



The male at this season is easily distinguished from the 

 female by his smaller size and spare attenuated figure, which 

 presents a strong contrast to the bulky form of his mate. His 

 skin too becomes much smoother and more shining than at other 

 times, somewhat resembling in texture that of the male Frog at 

 the same season, but is not loose and baggy. The muscles of the 

 forearm become much enlarged, and the general colouring is 

 lighter than at other times, often taking a more decided greenish 

 or olive tint. Possibly this may be caused by recent casting of 

 the skin. A hard warty excrescence also is developed on the 

 inner surface of the thumb and first finger. The skin of the 

 female remains rough and warty as at other seasons. 



Among a number of Toads spawning in a ditch, I once found 

 a male with two of his toes entrapped and held fast by a small 



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