The Forrest City times., 1891-01-23
INDUSTRIOUS TOAD.
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 M. Charles OfIredus. a lieutenant 10 the Swiss army. gives the following account of a gigantic toad encountered by him on the coast of Italy:
 After having seen Rome, Naples and other principal cities of Italy, returned through Venice. had just left Aquapenddente a town situated upon an eminence, and passed down the mountain afoot to go to an inn that lies out of the town. M. Bus chiTs. the companion of my journey. was a good ways before me, l having loitered by the way to examine some peculiar plants indigenous to those parts had not penetrated far when heard rustling in the thicket upon which l had my eyes fixed. l looked down and saw at my feet an enormous toad, 10 prodigious that. without ex. aggeration, it seemed to be more than foot and half across the back. The ugly monster was so near me that it touched my left foot Seized with hor- rur, quickly drew back my foot, having only strength enough left to run away as fast as 1 could. Recover ing my wits when had reached safe distance from the horrid creature l stopped awhile and at last made up my mind to return to the spot where l had seen the horrible beast. Seeing it in the same spot came to the conclu- sion that could easily dispatch it with my sword. Uncertain, however, what weapon 1 should use in making the attack, and judging that distance would be more prudent than close engagement. l laid hold of large stone which l could scarce lift with both hands, and with my naked sword under my arm 1 presented myself be- fore the animal. His mouth was wide open. and his little, black, wicked looking eyes were sparkling. his whole aspect betraying not the least sign of fear at sight of danger; on the con- trary, he appeared anxious for the fray. Having raised the stone as high as my strength would permit. l meas ured well its fall, covering the toad entirely. crushing it. so thought, in- to shapeless mass. Horrible beast said to myself, that is the last time ever you will frighten a tired soldier out of his wits;' and. here shall be your grave,' 1 again said. as 1 piled number of smaller stones upon the large one that had first crushed the monster. 1 had great desire to ex- anime the thing more closely and. it possible, to dissect it, but had not the courage to touch even the stones un-, der which it lay buried. Standing gazing intently at the little rock mound which l had intended as tomb for. the unsightly creature. noticed that the smaller stones had commenced to move. Soon the whole mound top. pied over and the beast walked out. alive. seemingly none the worse of, for his late experience. Seeing that the creature had neither wound on his ugly skin nor broken bone in his body, snatched my cloak and sword andl passed out of the thicket, declaring| that 1 would no longer make warl against such a monster Arriving at the inn l called for a glass of wine, but no sooner had l drank it than | felt feverish symptoms, which turned into chill, lasting nearly two weeks ' | During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries some of the Italian and east German prisons were provided with the monstrous poison toads of the Mediterranean coast. In very short time the air became contaminated by the exhalations of the venomous creat- ures to such an extent as to cause the death of many prisoners kept within the buildings.