The newly discovered island, or, A myth! for old and young children, containing a history of toads and toad-stools [manuscript], 1851.

ArchivalResource

Clayton, Mrs. The newly discovered island, or, A myth! for old and young children, containing a history of toads and toad-stools [manuscript], 1851.

The newly discovered island, or, A myth! for old and young children, containing a history of toads and toad-stools [manuscript], 1851.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/181660748

The collection consists of a bound manuscript with several watercolor illustrations; the story is carefully set in 1851 (1851 is written in contrasting ink throughout), and concerns three 'learned men' investigating an island in the midst of a lake in a 'vast track of uncultivated land' in Hampshire and Surrey. The explorers find a society of Natterjack Toads subsisting on various types of exotic fungi, which they use as boats, parasols, etc., and whose culture is described in some detail, often in in comparison to the Great Exhibition. Tipped in are seven watercolor illustrations and one line drawing, showing either the geography of the place or the toads and their mushrooms. Also pasted in are numerous textual additions or corrections. Faint pencil signature on the front fly-leaf identifies Mrs. Clayton, Farnborough, near Bagshot, Hants, possibly the author.

1 v. (circa [29] leaves) : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 26 cm.

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