56 BRITISH SERPENTS. 



summer of 1868 the snakes were to be seen literally in 

 scores, and great numbers were killed. Since then, 

 however, their numbers have gradually decreased, and 

 most of the wild moor having disappeared before the 

 advance of civilisation, they are not now met with 

 in places where they formerly abounded. The 

 favourite haunt of coronella is a dry sandy hillside, 

 overgrown with short heath, and gorse, and coarse 

 grass, and sloping down to a marshy valley, where 

 water is at all times obtainable. There, on some bare 

 patch of sand, the snake lies, loosely coiled, and basks 

 in the sun, and there it can, when thirsty, get water 

 without any great expenditure of energy. During the 

 heat of the day it frequently comes down to some 

 pool in the marsh to drink. Among the undergrowth 

 it can also at any time find its prey, the common 

 lizard, which abounds in such localities. Its mode of 

 obtaining its food is one of the most interesting 

 characteristics of coronella. As soon as it sees its 

 victim within easy reach, it slowly approaches, keep- 

 ing its body concealed, but slightly raising its head 

 above the heather and coarse grass. When it gets 

 within striking distance, after remaining motionless 

 for a few seconds it darts suddenly, and with the 

 quickness of thought, at the throat of the hapless 

 lizard. If its aim is successful the snake instantly 

 grasps with its tail a stem of heather or tuft of grass, 

 and proceeds at once to the enjoyment of its meal. 

 Its first step is to gradually shift its hold from the 



