80 REPTILIA AND AMPHIBIANS OF THE CAIRN DISTRICT. 
should you lay hold of that part of its body in trying to catch 
it. The tail quickly grows again, and in some cases comes 
double. It is of a light brown colour, and easily escapes the 
eye of the casual observer, although lying sunning itself on some 
bank or stone. It feeds principally, if not entirely, on insects. 
It is strange the inborn fear of boys and girls possessed by this 
little animal. 
2. Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis)—The slow-worm is very 
common in most parts of this parish, and may be seen almost 
any sunny day in summer in the woods or hillsides. It is com- 
monly taken for a snake, and dealt with accordingly; but in 
reality is as harmless as a lizard, to which, indeed, it is closely 
allied ; and may be handled with perfect freedom, its beautiful 
markings being well worthy of a close inspection. It feeds on 
insects, and hibernates. I have secured several specimens 12 
inches long, but some are got 15 inches in length. It casts its 
slough. It is ovo-viviparus, i.e., its young are brought forth 
alive, from seven to ten at a birth. The tail breaks off easily. 
3. Common Newt (Triton punctatus or vulgaris).—This 
member of the amphibia may be mistaken for a lizard by the 
casual observer on account of its somewhat smooth skin and 
habit of living so much on land. It is fairly common in most 
parts of the parish, and may be found during the early summer 
months in quiet pools frequented by tadpoles, on which it feeds, 
and among which its young may be seen swimming about. It 
also feeds on aquatic insects and worms. In September they 
commence to hibernate, emerging in early spring. It casts its 
skin like one taking off his clothes. Its length is 34-4 inches. 
Newts have a very slow motion on land. It is the most common 
species of newt in the British Isles. 
4, Great Water Newt (Triton Cristatus).—Though not so 
common as the last mentioned, may occasionally be met with. 
It is somewhat larger, about six inches long, and is of a more 
loathsome appearance, with its warty skin and dark brown 
colour. I remember seeing a fine specimen when one of the 
wells at Dardarroch was being cleaned, the yellow ventral 
markings being very brilliant. It also feeds on tadpoles a good 
deal, and may be met with in pools where they are abundant. 
A crest develops about the breeding season, but drops off again. 
If this newt drops into a well from which it is not able to get 
