, an interesting nature lesson is to
trace a toad to its daytime retreat under a log or stone. Its wanderings
and adventures during the night can be traced from the record that its
trail makes in the sand.

Are toads that live in light-coloured sand of the same colour as those
that live in black clay? Of what value to the toad are these differences
in colour?

The pupils are thus led to see that although the toad is not a handsome
animal, yet its rough, dark skin is of great value to it for concealment
among the lumps of soil with which it harmonizes.

Can a dog be induced to seize a toad? Will he seize it as readily a
second time as he did the first? The secretion from the glands of the
toad have a biting, acid effect on the dog's mouth. This secretion will
not injure a person's hands unless the skin is broken, and even then it
does not "cause warts".

How many toads can you find on your lawn in one evening? How many in the
vegetable garden? How many in the flower beds?

Place a toad on loose soil among some weeds and observe how it proceeds
to get out of sight.

Is it true that a toad is attracted by music? Give reasons for your
answer.

CLASS-ROOM LESSON

Secure a few living toads and keep them in a box covered with a pane of
glass. Be sure to put moist soil and damp moss in the bottom of the box
in which toads, frogs, newts, or snakes are kept. This enables these
animals to live in comfort, and they soon become sufficiently accustomed
to their surroundings to act in a normal way.

~Observation.~--By flicking in front of a toad a small feather or a bit of
meat attached to a thread, the darting out of the tongue for catching
prey on its adhesive surface may be observed.

The children, by bringing slugs, caterpillars, grubs, and various
insects for the toads, may learn what composes the food of the animal.
It is to be observed that the toad does not snap at an object until it
moves.

DETAILED STUDY

~Observation.~--General shape; division into head, trunk, and limbs; size
of head and mouth; position and structure of eyes and ears; difference
in the size of the fore and hind limbs, and explanation of this
difference by references to the use of the limbs; the hind foot, uses of
the web; the glands on the surface of the body and their uses for
protection.

Why is a large mouth useful? How are the ears fitted for life in water?

In conclusion, the teacher should make sure that the pupils appreciate
the