77 



Our largest Coiicineiital adder measures 700 milli- 

 metres. It is, therefore, |- inch short of 28 inches." 



This is a very important point, as the general idea 

 of the size of the adder is that it is seldom more 

 tlian 18 inches long. I remember a gentleman once 

 solemnly assuring me that any snake in this country 

 which measured over 18 inches was perfectly harm- 

 less, and must be a ring snake, which seems to be 

 the usual, but erroneous, idea, and, moreover, a 

 somewhat dangerous one if put into practice. It 

 must always be remembered that not every adder 

 seen is an adult ; i\nd it is probably true to say that 

 if an adder be killed measuring less than 18 inches, 

 it is a young one, the parents of which, could they 

 be compared with it, would be found to measure 

 several inches more. Another point in connection 

 with the size is that the female adder in any given 

 locality averages from half an inch to an inch and 

 a half more than the male in length. 



2. AI((rJdngft. — The markings of adders a.re very 

 well defined, and serve at oncd to distinguish them 

 from the two innocuous serpents. These markings are 

 seen to perfection in a young adult male just after 



