RINGED SNAKE. 55 
This species, and indeed the whole genus, is truly ovipa- 
rous, depositing its eggs a considerable time before the 
young ones are hatched, and leaving them to be vivified 
and developed by the heat of the sun, or of a dung-heap. 
The eggs are connected together by a glutinous matter, and 
are generally from sixteen to twenty in number. It is cer- 
tainly remarkable, considering that the normal character of 
the whole class of reptiles is truly oviparous, that of our 
five indigenous species of true Reptilia, the minority only 
should deposit their eggs before the young are developed 
and hatched—the present species, and the Lacerta agilis ; 
the latter, too, a recent addition to our known Fauna. 
Towards the end of autumn, or earlier, they resort to 
their place of hibernation, in some sequestered and sheltered 
corner, as the hollow roots of a tree, under hedges or 
brushwood, or similar places of security, where they re- 
main, coiled together, sometimes in considerable numbers, 
throughout the whole of the inclement season; and with 
the first return of warmth they come forth with all the 
other tribes which pass the winter in torpidity, and re- 
sume all the functions of life. 
The Common Snake is easily tamed, and may be made 
to distinguish those who caress and feed it. I had 
one many years since, which knew me from all other 
persons; and, when let out of his box, would immediately 
come to me, and crawl under the sleeve of my coat, where 
he was fond of lying perfectly still, and enjoying the 
warmth. He was accustomed to come to my hand for 
a draught of milk every morning at breakfast, which he 
always did of his own accord; but he would fly from 
strangers, and hiss if they meddled with him. 
It inhabits most of the countries of Europe, from Scot- 
land and the corresponding latitude of the Continent, to 
