with a List of Reptiles found in Cambridgeshire. 375 



quick for the eye to follow. Sometimes, however, especially if 

 the insect were nimble, it would follow it about the cage for 

 a considerable length of time before it would attempt to secure 

 it, stopi)ing every now and then to gaze at it, apparently with 

 much delight, for many seconds together. Nor, in its endeavour 

 to seize its food, was it always able to measure its distance with 

 correctness, often falling short of its aim, and making two or 

 three fruitless attempts, before it was finally secured. When, 

 however, this was once accomplished, the booty was swallowed 

 instantly, excepting when above a certain size, in which case, 

 the Natter-Jack would occasionally remain for ten minutes after- 

 wards with one half of the insect in its throat, and the other 

 hanging out of its mouth. 



With respect to the nature of the food devoured by these 

 animals, I may observe, that they seemed to relish most, the 

 smaller species of Diptera and Hymenoptera, though thej^ would 

 occasionally take woodlice and even centipedes. They also ate 

 large quantities of a small red maggot which is generally abun- 

 dant in decayed Boleti, and any of the lesser Coleoptera which 

 might happen to stray into their cage. One of them, in a single 

 instance, attacked an ant, but the morsel did not appear to be 

 much relished, for it was no sooner conveyed to its mouth, than 

 rejected with great haste and trepidation, probably in consequence 

 of the strong acid which is secreted by these insects. They did 

 not, however, appear to suifer from the stings of the smaller bees 

 and ichneumons, which were repeatedly swallowed with impu- 

 nity. 



The Natter-Jack is a much more lively animal than the 

 common Toad, and when in search of food, or following its prey, 

 shews great alertness. When full fed, or from other causes in- 

 active, the above individuals would conceal themselves in a sod 

 of tuif, which was always kept in their cage. They also 



