These gills grow on each side of
his head.
The toad changes very much before he is ready to live on land. In the
water he has no legs, but soon he has four. His gills are gone and he
draws in air through his throat. He is going to begin a new life. In the
spring the toads go back to the shore of the pond. Mrs. Toad knows that
her eggs must be hatched in the water, although she prefers to live on
the land.
Frogs must live near the water, for they will die if their skins are not
kept moist and cool. Yet they cannot live long in the water, and a
drowned frog is no uncommon sight. Kind-hearted boys and girls should
remember this, and be ready to lend a helping hand to some poor frog
that finds the sides of his swimming-place too steep for him to climb.
Young toads are very sensitive to heat, and secrete themselves in cool
places during the day. A summer shower will bring them out by the
dozens, so that many ignorant people think that the thirsty creatures
have "rained down." Mr. Toad carries under his skin a great many small
sacs full of liquid. This keeps him cool and comfortable, no matter how
dusty his home may be. If he is frightened he can defend himself with
this liquid, which is harmless to the hands, but probably bitter and
disagreeable to the taste, since dogs and cats show signs of discomfort
after taking toads in their mouths.
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