British Reptiles and Amphibians 



etc. It is a reptile of 10 inches to 12 inches in length, 

 and the general outline is cylindrical, gradually diminish- 

 ing in circumference towards the tail. The latter is 

 practically as long as the body, and terminates rather 

 abruptly. The whole body is covered with minute 

 and finely rounded, close-fitting scales. The tongue is 

 notched at the tip, and the teeth are somewhat hooked. 



At birth the young are dull white in colour, becoming 

 light sable-grey with age. A dark streak runs down 

 the back. As they mature, the colour of the upper 

 parts becomes more distinct and takes on a metallic 

 sheen. A number of parallel rows of dark spots extend 

 along the ridge of the back and sides at this stage. 

 Beneath, the colour is whitish, overspread with a bluish 

 lustre. 



I recall my first acquaintance as a budding naturalist 

 with this reptile. I had read of the Slow-worm in text- 

 books and elsewhere, but so far I had never seen the 

 reptile in the flesh. I had been trout-fishing from 

 early morning, and had sat down to enjoy my lunch. 

 As I munched my dry biscuit and cheese, I idly 

 observed a big worm (as I then thought) cross over 

 the adjacent bank. Instinctively I followed, to find the 

 animal coiled upon the edge of the grassy footpath. 

 At the time, I confess, I was at a loss to identify the 

 species, and with (I am afraid) special precautions I 

 reconnoitred the situation. As I did so, I was rather 

 surprised that the creature appeared reluctant to move. 

 It was evidently unconscious of my presence. I pushed 



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