340 BRITISH SERPENTS. 



wood for nine years, but this was the only snake 

 he had ever seen. For many years I have gone to 

 the Lake District two or three times a-year on 

 geology and botany bent, and I have never seen 

 either the adder or the ring snake, so I conclude 

 both are scarce." — W. Hay don, Liverpool. 



Cumberland. 



" The adder is the most common snake in this 

 county, being found in all parts, but especially 

 plentifully near the coast-line. Its average length 

 is 18 inches. 



" The ring snake is very rare in Cumberland, being 

 quite unknown in the middle of the county. One or 

 two have been seen in the north-west, and twice I 

 have had eggs sent to me from Oaldew Valley. In 

 the very south of the county it is more common, but 

 when one crosses the Duddon and gets into the Fur- 

 ness (Lancashire) district it becomes very usual indeed 

 to find it, especially on the low- lying land in the 

 neighbourhood of Morecambe Bay. Its average 

 length in Cumberland may be put at 28 inches. 



" The smooth snake is not known here." — W. Duck- 

 worth, Beacon Side, Penrith. 



North Lancashire. 



" The adder is our most common snake here, averag- 

 ing from 24 inches to 30 inches, and I have seen one 



