12 Amblyomma dissimile 
The table on which these cages rested was insulated by keeping its legs 
immersed in receptacles containing kerosene and water. 
It was found impossible to persuade the captive toads to feed during their 
confinement. Although* frequently offered choice delicacies they preferred 
slow starvation. Curiously enough in several instances fully engorged female 
ticks that had dropped from the crapaud were devoured. 
The toads were regularly supplied with fresh water and the cages 
thoroughly washed out every two days. When the engorging ticks were 
expected to drop off this water was reduced to a minimum to prevent the 
ticks being drowned. Without water the death of the toad ensued within a 
week, slightly longer during damp weather. A toad, although apparently 
dead through the failure of its water supply, speedily revived on adding water, 
of which they were seen to drink large quantities. 
Another remarkable habit of these toads, when in confinement, is the 
frequent shedding of their skins. On a number of occasions I observed the 
toads deliberately eating their cast skin. The skin as it peeled off was gradually 
swallowed by a series of convulsive gulps. This shedding of the skin does not 
affect the attached ticks. 
Few of the toads were confined for less than 1J months; often they were 
kept well over two months. Their imprisonment had little effect beyond 
producing emaciation, and, when released, they made off actively. When first 
captured and introduced into the cages frantic struggles for escape took place. 
It was a difficult matter to infest them with ticks for the first week of captivity 
—afterwards they became docile and were easily handled; in fact some actually 
appeared to enjoy being handled and would close their eyes and remain 
perfectly still. A few never became tractable. On the whole they proved 
admirable subjects for such experiments. 
The tick larvae and nymphs were transferred from the tubes to the toads 
by means of fine camels-hair brushes. This was not found necessary with the 
adults, where small, smooth pointed forceps were used. Engorged ticks which 
had dropped were collected every morning from the bottom of the cage. The 
engorged larvae and nymphs often climbed some distance up the wire netting 
and were found in the interstices. 
The larvae and nymphs attached themselves within a few hours of being 
placed on the toad. The adults often took a whole day or night before becoming 
attached satisfactorily. The usual place for attachment was on the back or 
on the head. The reason why these ticks are so frequently found on the head 
immediately between the eyes under natural conditions is that the hosts 
often lie submerged for long periods of time with only the head just showing- 
above water. 
The female toads, which possess a smoother skin than the males, were 
found to be more satisfactory than males for tick infestation and attachment. 
Females of a large size and healthy appearance were utilized. Nearly all 
used were procured from the Demerara Golf Course at Turkeyn, East Coast, 
