British Reptiles : Snakes — Two Turtles 



a dull mark on the back of the head, from which again 

 two rows of black patches extend along the body. 

 There is also a dull mark crossing the eyes, and this 

 again fades gradually into the neck colouring. The 

 under portions are of a distinctly paler colour, but 

 these colours again seem to take on divers hues, 

 running from orange to brown, grey, and bluish-white. 



The young are usually light brown over the upper 

 regions, with a fine blue on the belly. These 

 youngsters issue from the eggs almost immediately the 

 latter are deposited, and it is said the parent fondly 

 protects them until they mature. Like all their kind, 

 young Smooth Snakes love the sunshine, and are fond 

 of basking in its rays. While yet only the thickness 

 of a pencil and a few inches in length, these youngsters 

 will coil themselves in heaps over their parent's body, 

 and sleep the sunny hours away. 



As a rule the Smooth Snake has a partiality to 

 sandy, stony, and dry localities, and its menu consists 

 of Mice and Vo 1 es, Lizards, and similar small game. It 

 hides in thick undergrowth and awaits the approach of 

 its victims ; should one approach within its reach, it 

 seizes it with a darting movement of almost incredible 

 speed. It grips its prey by coiling round it, and slowly 

 swallows it, head foremost. A full-grown Snake is 

 about 24 inches in length for a female, the male being 

 an inch or so less. Although possessing teeth in both 

 jaws, this reptile owns no poison fangs, but, all the 

 same, it is a demon when handled. The hand that 

 can hold a Smooth Snake is that of an adept. 



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