EARLY SPRING ON THE MOORS 35 



In July, we killed one which contained a young" mole, 

 half-grown, with very small "diggers." One often sees 

 adders while grouse-shooting, and on September 25th 

 (1881), I killed one of a peculiar warm reddish hue — 

 quite different to the ordinary colour. It was gliding 

 down a steep slope, on the top of the heather, and 

 contained three whole field-mice. This adder was also 

 the latest I recollect seeing : they go into winter-quarters 

 about the end of September. 



While on the subject of reptiles, I may add that I have 

 only on three occasions come across the common lizard 

 (Lacerta vivipard) in the Border highlands. The first was 

 near Loch Doon, Ayrshire, in June 1894; the second on 

 Westburnhope moor in Allendale, August 1896. A third, 

 about 5 inches long, we caught above Falstone in North 

 Tyne, August 1903. There may, perhaps, be some lack 

 of observation here. 



The blindworm (Anguis fragilis) is another reptile 

 never come across but in one single locality — a small 

 wooded dene close by Houxty. The first was found, 

 dead, on April 3rd, 1902; since then, I have observed 

 blindworms on three occasions, all at this same spot 

 and during the months of April and June. They 

 measure 9 or 10 inches in length. 



April 



This chapter has already reached its full normal limit ; 

 yet it has only taken us to the end of March. The records 

 of the truly vernal month of April are altogether too 

 voluminous, and too interesting, to be crowded in as a 

 mere appendix. I will therefore conclude the chapter 

 by merely mentioning, with short introductory notes, 



