484 Remarks on Zoological Classification. 



bank into the midst of the stream, swim to the opposite side, 

 ascend the bank, and secrete themselves. This movement 

 they perform with astonishing rapidity. 



The progression of this species in the water is not so rapid 

 as upon land, for the undulations or serpentine movements of 

 the body are performed in such a way that no very great la- 

 teral action is induced upon the water, which action is most 

 energetically exerted in the motion of an eel, (which, among 

 fishes, is most nearly allied in form to a serpent), through that 

 medium. Besides, the nearly cylindrical shape of a serpent's 

 body is not that which would be supposed the best adapted 

 to propel the animal through the water. 



This species is perfectly harmless, never attempting to bite 

 unless very much irritated, and is even then incapable of do- 

 ing injury. From its gentleness it becomes extremely inte- 

 resting and engaging. Several varieties are at times met with, 

 but the colour is generally of an olive green, with irregular 

 black spots. On each side of the neck is a characteristic yel- 

 low spot, with a dense black somewhat lunated one posterior to 

 it. The under part of the body is of a greenish white, ele- 

 gantly marked with large black patches. This species is said 

 to be found in many parts of Europe, frequenting moist hedg- 

 es, woods, and other shady places. It is in such situations 

 that it may be continually met with in different parts of our 

 own island. It preys upon toads, frogs, insects and worms. 

 It occasionally resorts to the water, and searches for its prey 

 while it swims down the sides of the stream. It preys also 

 upon mice, and will climb amongst thickets and brushwood 

 in search of the nestlings of small birds ; and after satisfying 

 its appetite, will remain many weeks without requiring ano- 

 ther supply. It deposits its eggs, in number from 12 to 20, in 

 some moist and warm situation, where they remain until they 

 are hatched. During the winter it remains concealed within 

 some hole in a bank, or hollow trunk of a tree, or similar si- 

 tuation, coming forth in the spring. 



Ipswich, February 23rd, 1838. 



Art. VI. Remarks on Zoological Classification. By Sir Edward 

 Ff. Bromhead, Bt. F.R.S. L. & E. 

 ( Continued from p. 419,). 

 In 1828 Mr. John Stark published his ' Elements of Natu- 

 ral History,' bringing the whole Zoological Series up to 

 the highest level of Science at that time; but the subject has 



