56 COLUBRIDA. 
Italy and Sicily. In all parts of Eugiana it 1s exceedingly 
common ; generally frequenting places in which there. is 
ready access to water, and hence it is found in more 
humid places than the Viper. ) 
So much has been said of the inability of reptiles of 
every kind to exist in Ireland,—or at least of their non- 
existence in that island, that I have endeavoured to ascer- 
tain exactly to what extent these statements are correct. 
I have already mentioned the existence of the L. agilis 
there, and with regard to the present species, the follow- 
ing is the result of my inquiries. It would appear not 
only that the Common Snake is not indigenous to Ireland, 
but that several attempts to introduce it have totally 
failed. Mr. Ball some time since informed me of some 
trials of this kind; and the following letter, which I 
have recently received from Mr. Thompson, gives a very 
detailed and clear account of the actual facts. 
‘“‘ In this order (Ophidia) there is not now, nor I believe 
ever was there, any species indigenous to Ireland. In the 
Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal for April 1835,* it 
is remarked, ‘ We have learned from good authority that a 
recent importation of Snakes has been made into Iveland, 
and that at present they are multiplying rapidly within a 
few miles of the tomb of St. Patrick.’ I never,” proceeds 
Mr. Thompson, “heard of this circumstance until it was 
published, and subsequently endeavoured to ascertain its 
truth, by inquiring of the persons about Downpatrick, 
(where the tomb of St. Patrick is,) who are best acquaint- 
ed with these subjects, not one of whom had ever heard 
of Snakes being in the neighbourhood. Recollecting that 
about the year 1831 a Snake (Natria torquata), imme- 
diately after being killed at Milecross, was brought by 
* Vol. XVIIL p. 373. 
