THE SLOW- WORM, AN GUIS FRAGILIS 31 



middle line of the back. The lateral line is dis- 

 tinctly seen in the illustration. 



Hahits. — It is no easy task to gain a clear idea 

 of the habits of lizards in nature, as they are not 

 creatures which obtrude themselves upon the notice. 

 Still, continuous searching for these reptiles will con- 

 vince the naturalist that they live a simple and quiet 

 life without much variety in it. He will come to this 

 conclusion from finding the great majority of his 

 specimens under very similar circumstances. If the 

 temperature be cool, the slow-worm remains under the 

 covering protection of vegetation or under stones, 

 particularly flat tombstones in country churchyards. 

 Hence, in obedience to that love of warmth and sun- 

 shine which is inherent in reptiles, they emerge to 

 sun themselves on grassy banks on country roadsides 

 or secluded footpaths. Lying perfectly still amongst 

 the grass on such a bank, it is by no means easy to 

 see the animal even when it is straight in front of 

 the observer. If approached quietly, the slow-worm 

 usually remains motionless ; and I remember once 

 standing within four feet of one sunning itself in this 

 way and endeavouring to indicate its position to a 

 companion who was with me, but in vain. He simply 

 could not see it, although his eyes roamed over every 

 blade of grass in the spot I described. Very carefully 

 and slowly I brought my hand down on to the slow- 

 worm, which made no attempt to move though watch- 

 ing me all the time, and not until I actually touched 



