303 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



x. T.-!1. a ]] 



' I , ,; 



Torquata (Lat. collared), the Ringed Snake, 



The COMMON RINGED or GRASS SNAKE is a harmless inhab- 

 itant of this country, raid may be frequently seen or heard 

 gliding along the hedge-banks in search of food. It is easily 

 tamed, and soon learns to know its master. It lives principally 

 on frogs, mice, young birds, newts, &c.* It is an excellent 

 swimmer, and from the peculiar structure of its lungs can 

 remain under water for some time. It seems very fond of the 

 water, and is most commonly found on marshy land, or in 

 hedges planted over a wet ditch. The viper, on the contrary, 

 prefers dry sandy situations. 



Like all other serpents, the Ilinged Snake sheds its skin 

 several times during the year. The entire skin comes ofi', 



* Several snakes kept tame at a village in Wiltshire were fed with frogs and small 

 newts, which latter animals the snake was induced to swallow, by the simple process 

 of opening the snake's mouth and pushing the newt down its throat. This process, 

 although apparently rather rude, seemed to cause the snakes no inconvenience. 



