62 VIPERADA. 
Vipera, Ray, Syn. Quad. et Serp. p. 285. 
Coluber Berus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 377. Laur. Spec. Med. p. 97. SHAw, 
Gen. Zool. III. p. 365, t. ci. Turton, Brit. Faun. p. 80. 
Vipera 5 Davo. Hist. Rept. VI. p. 89. 
» vulgaris, LatR. Rep. III. p. 812. 
communis, Leacu, Zool. Miscell. III. t. vii. FiLem. Brit. Anim. p. 156. 
Jenyns, Brit. Vert. p. 297. 
Pelias Berus, Merrem, Syst. Amph. p. 148, sp. 1, @ 6. y Bonar. Faun, 
Ital. cum. fig. 
Vipére commune, Daun. 1. c. (an Cuy.?) 
9° 
Viper, Pennant, Brit. Zool. III. p. 26, t. iv. 
Var. B. 
Red Viper, RackeErt, in Linn. Trans. XII. p. 349. 
Coluber chersea 2 Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 337. 
Var. y. 
Blue-bellied Viper, (Coluber ceruleus,) SHEPP. in Linn. Trans. VII. p. 56. 
Var. 3. 
Black Viper, Leacu, Zool. Mise. loco cit. 
Tue Common Viper is happily the sole British repre- 
sentative of any of the poisonous groups of Serpents, and 
indeed the only poisonous reptile indigenous to this coun- 
try. It is far more numerous in Scotland than ‘the Com- 
mon Snake, and is found in abundance in all parts of 
England and Wales, frequenting heaths, dry woods, and 
banks. In Ireland it has never been seen; and it may, 
almost with certainty, be stated that it does not exist 
there. On the continent of Europe it is extensively dis- 
tributed, being found from the northern parts of Russia to 
the south of Italy and Spain. It is everywhere deservedly 
feared on account of its venom, which, although less viru- 
lent than that of many other species, is yet sufficiently so 
to produce severe symptoms, and sometimes, in ti. .varmer 
climates, even fatal results. In this country I have never 
seen a case which terminated in death, nor have I been 
able to trace to an authentic source any of the numerous 
reports of such a termination, which have at various times 
been confidently promulgated. At the same time the 
