recent rise in numbers.

Marsha Andrews, fundraiser for the Bermudian Toad Project, said there was always a population increase about a month after heavy rain which prompts toads to head for ponds to breed.

She said: "You see them here and there but unfortunately they don't always survive because of the pesticides.'' She is still coming across toads with deformed or missing legs.

"I've heard a male toad croaking in my garden for the first time in the six years I've been at my current address and I've had calls about rising numbers,'' Mrs. Andrews said.

"But I've also had people ring in to say they haven't seen any despite the rain.

"If you have a lot of toads, you are doing something right, if not then something is killing them.'' Mrs. Andrews said the toxic elements in the soil and air were at the root of the toads decline and she appealed to gardeners to choose wisely when buying pesticide.

She said: "People should be patient. They want to spray something on their plants and see the caterpillars die instantly.

"But if it says that it is harmful to children and animals, then what will it do for a toad? "Thurcide is good, but it takes time. It kills the caterpillars but if a toad then eats the caterpillar, it won't hurt the toad.'' "But people want gorgeous flowers and just say `let's kill the caterpillars now'.

"People should stick to what it says on the labels when using chemicals in the garden.

"Often people think if one tablespoon is recommended then two tablespoons will kill it real good. I know, I used to be the same but it's wrong.'' She also appealed to people not to kill toads.

She said: "Some people don't like them because they're ugly but they don't do any harm.

"They eat ants, cockroaches and mosquito larvae. If they weren't doing this, then these insects would be even more rampant.'' If you want to donate funds to the Bermuda Toad Project, which is building up data on the cause of the decline in the toad population, then call Mrs.

Andrews on 235-8214.

ITALIAN CULTURE FOR BERMUDA VIP Italian culture for Bermuda Bermuda could be in line for a feast of Italian cultural treasures.

New Italian Consul General in New York, Giorgio Radicati, is aiming to divert exhibitions planned for the massive Italian Consul in the US city to Bermuda.

Bermuda Honorary Consul Romano Erba -- who represents an estimated 300 to 400 people on the Island with Italian links -- said: "Every major city in the US has a Consular Institute and they regularly have cultural exhibitions.

"And this is what we would like to see here, especially for the Millennium.

"They are planning in New York to really celebrate with fashion, art, culture and we would hope to get some of that here.'' Minister Radicati, who also covers Bermuda, has just ended a short first visit to the Island.

He presented his credentials to Premier Jennifer Smith, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney and other senior politicians, as well as hosting a evening for Italian residents on the Island at The Club in Hamilton.

Italians on the Island -- mostly employed in the service sector on work permits -- are bolstered by long-term residents who have acquired residency rights or status in Bermuda.

Architect Dr. Erba said: "He stressed the possibility of reinforcing the relations between the two countries by, above all, encouraging initiatives in the fields of commerce, culture and tourism.''