POLICEMEN OF THE GARDEN 177 
gust. A few, however, in all ages have sought to 
portray the toad as a benefactor to man. The 
Japanese have a proverb to the effect that good 
fortune comes to the house in whose new-made 
cellar the toad takes up its abode. Many of the 
early writers refer to the valuable toadstone or 
jewel to be found in the toad’s head; others speak 
just as erroneously of the little creature’s medici¬ 
nal qualities. Small wonder, perhaps, that un¬ 
der all its load of false and even ludicrous mis¬ 
representation the toad should have failed to re¬ 
ceive its just dues! Sober, warty, and homely 
enough it is, in all conscience, yet judged by the 
standard of good works—the only real test—the 
toad is one of the best possible friends and helpers 
of the farmer and gardener.” 
“ Toads are easily tamed,” informed Tommy, 
as Uncle John was called to the telephone. “ I 
mean to see what I can do toward civilizing this 
one. I’ve fixed him a nice little retreat under the 
stone wall in the corner of the rose garden, and I 
mean to teach him to hop out when I whistle for 
him! ” 
“And may I help feed him? ” demanded Ruth, 
excitedly. “ Would he care for anything right 
now, do you suppose? ” 
“ I’m thinking he will always be caring,” 
Tommy returned, shrewdly. “ Try him. Why,” 
to Alice, who had asked what was to be done with 
