SERPENTS AND REPTILES. 
219 
for some time, the little knobs on the skin are some- 
times pale red, and the soles of the feet are white, 
slightly tinged with yellow. 
52. This colour changes when exposed to the 
light of the sun : the parts exposed to the sun are 
frequently of brownish-gray, while the unilluminated 
part is of a beautiful fawn colour. 
53. At other times, the whole skin seems of a 
beautiful green, spotted with yellow. When touched, 
it often suddenly becomes spotted all over with pretty 
large blackish blotches, mixed with some green. 
54. It is now thoroughly ascertained, that it by 
no means assumes the colours of the bodies which 
are around it, and that those which it accidentally 
presents are not extended over the whole of its body, 
as was formerly imagined. It was likewise believed 
to have the powder of living on air alone ; but this 
absurd belief is now exploded. 
THE TOAD. 
55. The Toad, which is easily distinguished by 
its livid appearance and sluggish and disgusting 
movements, is, in figure, nature and appetites, like 
What is said of its living on air 1 
Give a description of the appearance of the Toad. 
