67 



THE VIPER, OR ADDER. 



(Pelias Berus.) 



Fortunately for us, the present is the only 

 venomous species which inhabits our island, and this 

 is by no means equal to the venomous little reptiles 

 of tropical countries in poisonous power. In Scot- 

 land, the Adder is common, whilst the Ringed Snake 

 is but little known, and in England and Wales it is 

 as abundant as any could wish. Of course it is un- 

 known in Ireland. Whether Saint Patrick did or 

 did not banish them, matters little ; it is, however, 

 certain that in these latter times no snake-like 



reptile is to be found there. The Viper (Plate 5), or 



F 2 



