Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/123

Rh May 9th. After the spawning season is over they seldom resort to water, except occasionally in very hot weather, or when they are suffering from the attack of a species of fly (Musca), which deposits its eggs under the skin or within the nostrils.

The case of the Toad after these eggs are hatched is wretched in the extreme, and has been fully described by the late Mr. Newman in one of the admirable series of articles entitled "Collected Observations on British Reptiles" ('Zoologist,' Sept. 1869, p. 1830).

An irresistible impulse drives these helpless and defenceless creatures forth every spring in quest of water, but a considerable proportion never reach it, but perish by the way from some mishap or other; while others, more or less injured by wheels, hoofs, &c, manage to reach their destination in a maimed and mutilated condition, minus a few fingers or toes, or even a whole limb. The wound soon heals, and, handicapped as they are, they nevertheless make shift to move about in some fashion, both on land and in water. In March the roads near their breeding places are sometimes so crowded with Toads that it is difficult to avoid treading on them. I once counted six males within three square yards, and the next day took four from a small underground cistern not more than a foot square. At this season, before they reach the water, there seems to be a tendency among the males towards assembling in small groups of from three to five or more.

The male at this season is easily distinguished from the female by his smaller size and spare attenuated figure, which presents a strong contrast to the bulky form of his mate. His skin too becomes much smoother and more shining than at other times, somewhat resembling in texture that of the male Frog at the same season, but is not loose and baggy. The muscles of the forearm become much enlarged, and the general colouring is lighter than at other times, often taking a more decided greenish or olive tint. Possibly this may be caused by recent casting of the skin. A hard warty excrescence also is developed on the inner surface of the thumb and first finger. The skin of the female remains rough and warty as at other seasons.

Among a number of Toads spawning in a ditch, I once found a male with two of his toes entrapped and held fast by a small