The toadfish lives entirely unmolested by enemies, so far as I can learn; and his appearance easily explains the reason of it. I know of nothing that would willingly enter a croaking, snapping, slimy toadfish’s nest to eat him; and it takes some courage to put one’s hand into his dark hole and pull him out.
His principal diet seems to be shrimp, worms and all kinds of small fish. Yet he may be said to have no principal diet; for, no matter what you are fishing for, or what kind of bait you are using, if there is a toadfish in the vicinity you are sure to catch him. If fishing along a wharf in September, you may catch the fish, and an old shoe along with him—with her, perhaps I should say.
And if you do, please notice how wise and thoughtful the face, how beautifully marbled the skin, how courageous the big strong jaw!
Ugly? Not if you will put yourself in the toadfish’s shoe.
CHAPTER IV
A CHAPTER OF THINGS TO SEE THIS FALL
I
