The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-01-25
a New York Frog Farm.

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WASHINGTON, D. O. Jan. 20, 1S9o.-
A New York gentlemen, Mr. Horace
Hosg. of Orleans County, has frog
farm, which is one of the wonders Of the
age.
The frogs come obedient to his call,
understand all his commands, and 60
hrough more performances than To-
ware band and military company.
He has spent seven years in teaching
them, and they have learned all their
Lessons we'll.
A newspaper correspondent gives this
account OF them:
Scattered over the gravel in the bot
tom of Mr.. Hoag's frog pond we're dozens
of big couch shells, but no signs of the
batrachiaus were visible. Suddenly be
gave shrill whistle and all at once from
each shell hoped big frog that kicked
his way up to the surface in hurry,
where he lay on the water with legs ex-
tended and great google eyes staring at
the occupants of the boat. 1t was a
strange sight to see all those frogs Of
every size and kind, from plain black to
yellow.spotted, lying there with an
almost intellectual look in their eyes.
The legs stretched out would have been
worth small fortune at any swell eating
house.
attention |" shouted Hosg, and
every leg drew close to the body, and the
attitude for action was taken.
"Form in line," and the trained am
phibians formed in four lines with an
old giant at their head, who, Mr.. Hoag
said, weighed six pounds and four
ounces. He was enormous, and looked
as though he had dined on his weaker
brethren for generations of tadipoles.
"Thsn, at the word Of command, they
performed all kinds of evolutions. Every
leg kicked in perfect unison, and they
appeared to be thirsting for real fray.
They charged with fiery clan that
would do credit to a banner French bri-
gade, and it seemed as though they were
animated by the signal thought of doing
their level best.
"rhen races we're held and when fat
mouse or an English sparrow was given
TO the winner, the cold, froggish hearts
seemed to rejoice. At word they drove
down to their aquatic home and each
one selected his own shell without effort
They had houses, and knew where to find
them. At last the supper hour came.
and Mr.. Hoag fed the frogs on their usu'
al diet of fish, crabs and mice. He fed
them each in turn, and made all jump
above the water to reach the suspended
food. Not one failed to reach the desired
refreshment, and when the last frog was
fed down they all went to their homes in
the sea shells for rest and quiet.
"We returned to the pond about dark
to see additional performances. Mr..
Hosg brought out musicians stand and
placed it at the edge of the water. At
signal note the frogs came to the surface
of the water and jumped into the stand.
cat Mr.. Hoag's command they began
TO sing. Each frog had been selected
because of his fine croak. 1t was won.
derful. Their voices rose on the evening
air filling the place with melody and
giving joy to the heart of Mr.. Heag by
their excellent performance. The largest
and oldest frog sung the deepest base,
and the little fellow, almost tadpole,
sung shrill soprano.
"Mr. Hoag said that during the hot
months their voices were clearer and
sweeter trau now, but as cold weather
came on they grew hoarser and hoarser
until the day of their Information. An
old bull frog acted as bandmaster and
gave them the time by leaping up and
down with wonderful alacrity.
ut was q wonder Of wonders to hear
those frogs sing, not with hoar5e, CULTURAL
voices but in clear, sonorous cadence. at
last the performance began to grow tired,
and Hoag gave them the signal to stop.
They struck up tune remarkably like
Down went McGinty' and all jumped
and went down to the bottom together to
rest for the night"