Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 100, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1914 — TOAD A VALUABLE SERVANT [ARTICLE]

TOAD A VALUABLE SERVANT

Its Uses in the World Have Hot Been Apcprdqd the,Recognitl6n It Has ? Long Deserved. Few well-meaning creatures ‘ .have been more thoroughly misunderstood that the homely, meditative and retiring toad. Formerly the toad was considered a venomous reptile, but in our day its habits have been more carefully observed and its great valued to. the pomologist and gardener has been fully, established on account; of its propensity for destroying insects. ? We should, therefore, cultivate the friendship and assistance of the insectivorous reptiles, including the striped snake, as well as that of birds. Every tidy housewife detests the cockroach, mice and other vermin-.. Two or three domesticated toads would keep the coast clear of these and would be found more desirable than a cat, as they are wholly free from treepassing on the rights of man as does the cat. The toad is possessed of a timid and retiring nature, loving dark corners and shady places, but under kind treatment' becoming quite tame. Many instances might be cited of pet toads remaining several years in a family and doing most valuable service with no other compensation than that of immunity from persecution.

In Europe toads are carried to the cities to market and are purchased by the horticulturists, who by their aid are enabled to keep in cheqk (he multiplication of the insect tribes which prey upon their fruits, flowers, etc. ‘