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GRASS SNAKE 
absence of a suitable food supply, egg-depositing area, 
character of the soil, or what not, seems undetermined. 
It inhabits commons, heaths, uncultivated grassy tracts 
hedges, woods, and waste places. It is rare in the North 
of England and Scotland, and in districts which seem 
admirably suited for it. It is the commonest Snake in 
Europe. The Grass Snake differs from the Adder in 
depositing eggs, and does not produce living young 
These eggs are laid in late Spring, or early Summer, and 
Grass- snake. 
may number from 15 to 30. Perhaps the average 
number produced during the season is 20 to 30. These 
egg-masses, each separate egg being joined to its fellow 
by a sticky substance exuded for the purpose, are usually 
found in manure or refuse heaps, old walls, under 
bundles of faggots, and similar places. After being 
deposited, it takes several weeks for the young to emerge, 
and they are provided with what is called a “ temporary 
horny tooth” on the snout so that the leathery mem- 
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