1902 Reptile Stttdies 103 



^vinter quarters of the bass and also of the bulk of our 

 mackerel no man knows. Once they pass outside of the 

 zone fished by our drifters and trawlers, they vanish com- 

 pletely out of our ken. 



Reptile Studies. 



By Gerald Leighton, M.D. 



III. Spring — The Season of Renewed Functional 



Activity. 



In our last issue I drew attention to the remarkable con- 

 dition of our reptiles in the winter season — viz., the state 

 of hibernation. We have now to turn to the consideration 

 of the more general points observable by the field naturalist 

 during the season of spring, or, as I have termed it above, 

 the season of renewed functional activity. The transition 

 from winter quiescence to spring growth is striking enough 

 in all branches of biology, plant and animal alike, but in 

 none more so than in the group of reptiles, because here, 

 to all appearance, the change is abruptly sudden. I say, 

 to all appearance, because doubtless the reappearance of 

 the snakes and lizards is preceded by a period of prepara- 

 tion, whilst as yet the reptiles themselves are still hidden 

 away in their hibernating quarters. The functions of res- 

 piration and circulation gradually regain activity as the 

 days become a little warmer, until such a temperature is 

 reached which induces the animal to seek the outer world 

 once more and commence a search for food. 



The exact dates at which the period of hibernation com- 

 mences and finishes depend upon three factors mainly, 

 viz. : — 



1. The particular locality under notice. 



2. The species of reptile. 



3. The severity or mildness of the particular season. 

 Thus in the counties of Dorset and Cornwall adders are, as 

 a rule, found active towards the end of February, whilst in 



