i88 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



but the Toad ranks first in the hst of useful species. Although 

 mainly insectivorous, the depredation on insect life made by the 

 frogs is chiefly confined to the borders of ponds and streams, or 

 to the marshes; in fact, to places not available for agriculture. 

 The Toad, on the contrary, is a terrestrial species, inhabiting the 

 open country and abounding over stretches of farmland. Here 

 at twilight multitudes of toads issue forth to prey upon all 

 forms of insect life, continuing the hunt throughout the night, 

 and retiring at dawn for digestion. The examination of a toad's 

 stomach after a nocturnal excursion will reveal an amazing 

 number of insect forms, among which may always be found 

 species that are destructive to agricultural products. 



Among the writings of Shakespeare there are allusions to 

 the venomous character of the Toad which have inspired in- 

 numerable scientists to clash in argument. Comparatively re- 

 cent anatomical investigations have resulted in the discovery 

 that a milky secretion contained in the swollen glands situated 

 behind the eyes and in minute glands scattered over the surface 

 of the skin possesses decidedly poisonous properties. When this 

 fluid is injected into the blood of small mammals, marked 

 symptoms at once develop and speedy death follows. The 

 symptoms produced have been described as similar to those due 

 to the use of digitalis, the action being upon the ner\^e centers 

 and the heart. The effect upon any unwary dog that seizes a 

 toad in its jaws is at once evident. There are immediate signs 

 of distress, and the animal soon foams at the mouth and champs 

 its jaws as if in considerable pain. These symptoms continue 

 for an hour or more. 



When the larger glands on the head are compressed, tiny jets 

 of a sticky white fluid are ejected to a distance of three or four 

 inches. Through accident the writer has discovered that this 

 fluid is intensely bitter to the taste. In spite of this poisonous 

 secretion, the Toad is generally harmless when handled. The 

 story of wart-producing powers, furthermore, is purely falla- 

 cious. The secretion in the glands which have been mentioned 

 is dangerous only when injected directly into the blood of small 

 animals, but nevertheless Shakespeare's much-combated refer- 

 ences have been proved to have abundant foundation in fact. 



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