From the breadth and muscular
strength of the tail, it appears to be an active nimble fish.'
In my visit I was not very far from Hungerford, and did not forget
to make some inquiries concerning the wonderful method of curing
cancers by means of toads. Several intelligent persons, both gentry
and clergy, do, I find, give a great deal of credit to what was
asserted in the papers: and I myself dined with a clergyman who
seemed to be persuaded that what is related is matter of fact; but,
when I came to attend to his account, I thought I discerned
circumstances which did not a little invalidate the woman's story of
the manner in which she came by her skill. She says of herself 'that,
labouring under a virulent cancer, she went to some church where
there was a vast crowd: on going into a pew, she was accosted by a
strange clergyman; who, after expressing compassion for her
situation, told her chat if she would make such an application of
living toads as is mentioned she would be well.' Now is it likely
that this unknown gentleman should express so much tenderness
for this single sufferer, and not feel any for the many thousands
that daily languish under this terrible disorder? Would he not have
made use of this invaluable nostrum for his own emolument; or, at
least, by some means of publication or other, have found a method
of making it public for the good of mankind ? In short, this woman
(as it appears to me) having set up for a cancer-doctress, finds it
expedient to amuse the country with this dark and mysterious
relation.
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