2S2 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
As the toad bears a general resemblance in figure to the 
frog, so also it resembles that animal in its nature and appe- 
tites. When, like the frog, these animals have undergone all 
the variations of their tadpole state, they forsake the water, 
and are often seen, in a moist summer’s evening, crawling up, 
by myriads, from fenny places, into drier situations. There, 
having found out a retreat, or having dug themselves one 
with their mouth and hands, they lead a patient solitary life, 
seldom venturing out, except when the moisture of a sum- 
mer’s evening invites them abroad. At that time the grass 
is filled with snails, and the pathways covered with 
worms, which make their principal food. . Insects also, of 
every kind, they are fond of; and we have the authority of 
Linnaeus for it, that they sometimes continue immoveable, 
with the mouth open, at the bottom of shrubs, where the 
butterflies, in some measure fascinated, are seen to fly down 
their throats. 
In a letter from Mr. Arseott, there are some curious par- 
ticulars relating to this animal, which throw great lightupon 
its history. “ Concerning the toad,” says he, “ that lived so 
many years with us, and was so great a favourite, the greatest 
curiosity was its becoming so remarkably tame : it had fre- 
quented some steps before our hall door some years before 
my acquaintance commenced with it, and had been admired 
by my father for its size (being the largest I ever met with) 
who constantly paid it a visit every evening. I knew it 
myself above thirty years ; and by constantly feeding it, 
brought it to be so tame, that it always came to the candle 
and looked up, as if expecting to be taken up and brought 
upon the table, where I always fed it with insects of all 
sorts. It was fondest of flesh maggots, which I kept in bran ; 
it would follow them, and when within a proper distance, 
would fix his eyes, and remain motionless, for near a quar- 
ter of a minute, as if preparing for the stroke, which was an 
instantaneous throwing of its tongue at a great distance 
upon the insect, which stuck to the tip by a glutinous mat- 
ter. The motion is quicker than the eye can follow. I can- 
not say how long my father had been acquainted with the 
toad, before I knew it; but when I was first acquainted 
with it, he used to mention it as the old toad I have known 
so many years. I can answer for thirty-six years. This old 
toad made its appearance as soon as the warm weather 
came ; and I always concluded it retired to some dry bank, 
to repose till spring. When we new laid the steps, I had 
two holes made in the third step, on each side, with a hol- 
low of more than a yard long for it ; in which I imagine it 
