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OUR REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. 62 
be equally true of the much more common and more widely distrib- 
uted Scaly Lizard. 
3. Blind-worm or Slow-worm. ANGUIS FRAGILIS, LINN. 
Found in all three counties in similar situations to those affected 
by the common Lizard, but preferring the hilly districts. In Derby- 
shire I have records from Miller's Dale, Dove Dale, Lathkil Dale, 
Thorpe Cloud (Rev. J. C. Stephens), Belper. Mr. Hutchinson oblig- 
ingly writes me that he received one a few years ago, from Little 
Eaton, about ten inches in length. 
Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire, is a favourite haunt of this 
reptile, in some parts of which, a few years ago, it was abundantly 
met with by those who knew how to look for it. Bradgate Park, 
Beacon Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Bardon Hill and Whitwick, are 
localities in which I have personally observed it. 
The blindworm varies greatly in colour according to age. The 
young for some time after birth are nearly white above and black 
below. Half-grown individuals are sometimes copper-coloured, whilst 
mature specimens, especially females, become dark grey, and so thick 
as to he mistaken for vipers at a casual glance by unsophisticated 
persons. Although usually the most gentle of reptiles, and possessing 
only the startling habit of suddenly breaking off the tail when seized, 
such aged individuals will occasionally, though rarely, strike at the 
hand in a very snake-like manner. 
OPHIDIA. 
4, Common, Ringed, or Green Snake. TRoPIDONOTUS NATRIX, LINN. 
NAtTRIX ToRQUATA, Ray. 
Although nowhere numerically very abundant, the common snake 
is widely distributed in Derbyshire, especially in the South Derby- 
shire plain, from which the adder is absent. 
The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain writing to me under date September 
3rd, 1901, says: ‘“ About four examples have been killed in Ash- 
bourne district since 1880 (one a large one, 4 feet long), but they are 
by no means common.” 
