{Frogs.}
Of Frogs We Have Several Sorts; The Most Famous Is The Bull-Frog, So Call'd,
Because He Lows Exactly
Like that Beast, which makes Strangers wonder
(when by the side of a Marsh) what's the matter, for they hear
The Frogs low,
and can see no Cattle; he is very large. I believe, I have seen one
with as much Meat on him, as a Pullet, if he had been dress'd.
The small green Frogs get upon Trees, and make a Noise. There are
several other colour'd small Frogs; but the Common Land-Frog is likest a Toad,
only he leaps, and is not poisonous. He is a great Devourer of Ants,
and the Snakes devour him. These Frogs baked and beat to Powder,
and taken with Orrice-Root cures a Tympany.
{Long black Snake.}
The long, black Snake frequents the Land altogether,
and is the nimblest Creature living. His Bite has no more Venom,
than a Prick with a Pin. He is the best Mouser that can be;
for he leaves not one of that Vermine alive, where he comes.
He also kills the Rattle-Snake, wheresoever he meets him,
by twisting his Head about the Neck of the Rattle-Snake,
and whipping him to Death with his Tail. This Whipster haunts
the Dairies of careless Housewives, and never misses to skim the Milk
clear of the Cream. He is an excellent Egg-Merchant,
for he does not suck the Eggs, but swallows them whole (as all Snakes do.)
He will often swallow all the Eggs from under a Hen that sits,
and coil himself under the Hen, in the Nest, where sometimes
the Housewife finds him.
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