SNAKES. 223 — 
and there are generally three post-oculars. There are also seven 
upper labials, of which the third and fourth enter the eye. 
Though this Snake is generally found to be between 24ft. and 
32ft. long, it is really one of the largest of the Kuropean Ophi- 
dians, having indeed attained a length of 63ft. One was caught 
in the New Forest, in 1882, I think, which was 53ft. long, and 
sent by Lord Londesborough to the Zoological Gardens, London. 
The tail of 7. natrix is tapering, and equals about one-fifth of the 
animal’s entire length. , 
The Viper (V. berus) hardly ever exceeds a length of 2ft. It 
has no yellow collar; and on its head, which is without the 
numerous large shields. of the Common Snake, there is a dark 
marking, which bears some resemblance to the letter V. The 
ground-colour of the other part of the body of the Adder varies 
much, being sometimes red, olive, olive-brown, or black, and 
sometimes even nearly white; but it may be chiefly dis- 
tinguished by a zigzag very dark or black marking running the 
whole length of the body and tail. The tail is short, only equal- 
- ling about one-eighth of the reptile’s entire length. The Viper, 
unlike the Common Snake, frequents dry, sandy localities, and 
is often seen on the dust at the road-side, or in tufts of dry grass, 
or on beds of dead leaves near some bush in an open part of a 
wood or plantation. The appearance of the two Reptiles is really 
so different, that even children quickly learn to readily recognise 
the one from the other. 
I do not recommend anyone to keep a Viper in captivity. It 
will rarely feed, as just mentioned, and it might escape and injure 
somebody or something. Fig. 65 shows the great difference 
there is between the 7’. natrix and the V. berus in the arrange- 
ment of their teeth in their upper jaws. The most favourable 
time in England for catching Ringed Snakes is during some bright, 
sunny day, between the hours of ten and four, preferably after 
rain. They are then likely to be found basking near their haunts 
in the sun, such as the sides of a hedge, the banks of a pond or 
stream, or near bushes on marshy ground. The eye of the 
amateur will need a little training before he is able to see quickly 
what he is seeking, the colour of the Snakes is so like that of the 
ground upon which they lie coiled up. Frequently, the reptiles 
