British Reptiles and Amphibians 



particular. Insects, small Slugs, and Worms are equally 

 acceptable. Generally in late September it prepares to 

 go into its winter quarters, but as regards a site it 

 seems to be rather fastidious in the selection. It may 

 crawl under a heap of stones, a bunch of herbage, or a 

 pile of lumber, but all the same this Newt seldom or 

 never hides itself without due regard to the prospec- 

 tive rigours of the coming season. 



Some observers affirm that the Smooth Newt loves 

 homely quarters, and that it frequently combines with 

 others of its kind, and — 



" Rolled up in a ball, 

 In a hole snug and small, 

 They sleep one and all, 

 And await Nature's call." 



There is a rainy season that annually precedes the 

 coming of snow. It is then the time of withered 

 grasses, sodden leaves, evening frosts. The frosted 

 foliage seems abnormally limp until midday dispels 

 the illusion. There is then a sunny glint for an hour, 

 during which the earth turns warmer, and the far-off 

 hills seem to come nearer, as if they had pushed their 

 foundations into the arable regions of the shires. 

 During that hour the heather- blooms look more 

 purple, and the Newts may be basking in the sun. 

 The fern and bracken are then dappled in brown and 

 yellow, the rowans are red, the wild-rose fruit is scarlet. 

 Over the fence there is a green fringe of cranberry 

 foliage clinging to the brambles. Round the outskirts 



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