55 



Batrachia, Reptiles and Fresh Water Fishes 

 of the Rochester District. 



Reptiles. 



Lacerta agilis (Sand Lizard). — In sandy ground. Mostly seen on hot 

 sunny daj^s. Eggs laid at base of walls, etc., and hatched 

 by the heat of sun. The existence of this species in our 

 localitj', or in Kent, is more than doubtful. 



Zootoca vivipa7-a (Green Lizard).— (Bell). Leysdown, Sheppey. Eggs 

 sometimes hatched before extrusion. 



Anguis fragilis (Blind Worm).— Not uncommon. Chalk slopes, 

 quarries, under stones, etc. A snake-like lizard. Portions 

 of limbs still remain concealed beneath the skin. Perfectly 

 harmless. Walderslade, Boxle3\ etc. 



Matrix ( Tropidoiiotus) torqttata (Common or Grass Ringed Snake). — 

 Not uncommonly seen basking in the sun on banks of 

 streams etc., to which it readilj^ takes, swimming well. 

 Easily become friendly and may be kept as pets. Quite 

 harmless. Eggs deposited in dung heaps and hatched by 

 heat of fermentation. 



Pelias ( Vipera) Beriis (Viper or Adder). — Found in almost all our 

 woods and on the grass}^ slopes. In the Bridge Woods, they 

 were, a few years ago, quite common. I have seen at the 

 same time, three or four within a few feet of each other 

 basking in the midday sun. In Lord's Wood they are often 

 to be seen. On Motley Hill two or three years ago, I and 

 a friend disturbed a very fine one in the long grass bordering 

 a stream at the foot of the hill. It should be remembered 

 that the bite of this Snake is extremely dangerous, and 

 should be carefully avoided. It would be well if school- 

 masters would teach their pupils to discriminate between 

 this and the Common Snake, as the latter, though not only 

 harmless, but useful, is viewed with terror, and so is ruth- 

 lessly killed when met with. The eggs of the Viper— 12 

 to 25 — are hatched within the creature's body. There are 

 several well marked varieties of this Snake, some of which 

 are doubtless to be found in our district. 



Batrachia. 



Rana temporaria (Common Frog). — Common in damp situations. — 

 Visit ponds in early spring to deposit their eggs, which are 

 laid in large clusters. This done the water is again left. 



