1878 – The Toad

“The Toad – by Harrison Weir” is a full page book plate image, taken from the “Chatterbox Album of Animals”, published by W.W.Gardner, circa 1878. The short anecdote accompanying the illustration, simply reads: “Our forefathers used to think that toads were poisonous to the touch; but that was a mistake of theirs. The negroes of Africa have no such superstition, for, when travelling over the burning sands of Senegal, they will often apply a living toad to the forehead for the purpose of cooling it. Toads can live a long time without eating. Some have been shut up for many years in old walls, hollow trees, or in the earth, without their being able to get out, and without losing life.”

Prints currently available in A4, A3 and A2 sizing options.