SCOTLAND 189 



In most, the viviparous lizard is the more common. 

 In Ailsa Craig, however, the slow-worm was very- 

 common, and attained a large size. I have frequently 

 found them 18 inches long. Since the introduction 

 of the rat, they are far less common, and likely soon to 

 be scarce from the depredations of that rodent. Their 

 favourite food seems to be snails, and the ease with 

 which they can swallow the larger black slugs so 

 common on the Craig is marvellous. The slow-worm 

 is common all over Arran, where it is called in many 

 places the * Silver Adder,' and ruthlessly destroyed 

 by the people as venomous. Their favourite spot is 

 under fiattish stones where there is a cavity under- 

 neath, and in moderately dry or porous soil. 



" In a field, formerly a marsh, at Dunoon, now 

 being converted into a public park, the viviparous 

 lizard was very common among the furze bushes, 

 among the roots of which, in sunny spots, the gravid 

 female would often be seen basking in the sun. I 

 have also seen this species close to the summit of 

 Ailsa Craig, where, however, it is less common than 

 the slow-worm. Being more active and shy than the 

 latter, it is less likely to be observed unless one is on 

 the lookout for them." — J. Macknaught Campbell, 

 Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. 



Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, F.E.S.E. (Science and Art 

 Museum, Edinburgh), has sent me the following 

 extracts from his records of specimens which have 

 come under his notice at the Museum. 



