British Reptiles and Amphibians 



written on the calendar. In late October, for instance, 

 the creature may be unearthed from any rubbish heap, 

 where it has gone to sleep, or it may be rudely un- 

 covered by the roadman's spade from his pile of road 

 metal. At other times the hibernating Slow-worm may 

 be found in some crevice of the bank-side or a rabbit- 

 burrow, absolutely oblivious to atmospheric conditions. 

 Like Squirrels and a few other hibernating animals, the 

 Slow-worm often issues from its winter retreat during 

 an abnormal blink of winter sunshine, and may be seen 

 hunting the bank-sides during the height of the day. 

 While dormant, the circulation is tardy and the respira- 

 tion is extremely low. In a sense, this hibernating 

 means that the animal is for the time being practically 

 dead to the world ; but the summer warmth quickens 

 its blood, and it then awakes to renewed life. 



While having the outward form of a serpent, Slow- 

 worms have no venomous sting, nor can they injure 

 the hand that lifts them from the ground. 



In the realms of ornithology and entomology one is 

 ever reminded how Nature has adapted its creatures to 

 their environments. There is a charming adaptation 

 in the nest of the Chaffinch, with its exterior decoration 

 of lichen, the edifice resembling a miniature bulge from 

 the tree-trunk. The Redbreast's mossy building in a 

 mossy bank is another of the wonderful beauties painted 

 on Nature's easel. There are millions of such marvels 

 in every field and bank-side, every wood and pond. 



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