l88 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



power of reproducing a lost tail, or limb, but there is no 

 doubt that some of these accounts have been exaggerated. 

 The tongue in Reptiles is peculiar ; in most species it is long, 

 flexible, and notched, or forked, at the end, and the root is 

 near the front of the mouth instead of being close to the 

 throat, so that when the tongue is exserted it projects a long 

 way beyond the lips. Snakes have a sheath into which the 

 tongue can be withdrawn, but this is absent in the Lizards. 

 To the rustic mind, a Snake with its forked tongue curling 

 about in the air, is a fearsome object, and the usual ex- 

 clamation is Oh, look at its sting ! The tongue is, of course, 

 perfectly harmless, and it cannot be too widely known that, 

 in England, none of the Reptiles are venomous that is to 

 say, possessed of poison-fangs except the Viper, and even 

 in this case the bite is very rarely fatal, although it causes 

 considerable pain and swelling in the affected part. It is 

 much to be regretted that the word " reptile" has acquired 

 such a sinister meaning, that it is used only in reference to 

 creatures that should be avoided and treated with loathing. 

 If people could only get rid of their prejudices they would 

 find a great deal to admire in the sinuous grace and beautiful 

 colouring of the common Snake, and the agile movements 

 of the pretty little Lizard. As a rule Reptiles prefer warm 

 to damp places, and are found in hot countries in great 

 numbers and variety ; Britain is too cold to suit them well, 

 and we have, consequently, very few species, and those of 

 small size. Only six are recognised as British species ; five 

 are known to occur in Shropshire. 



COMMON LIZARD. Provincial name, Harriman. This 

 Lacerta vivipara. pretty and agile little creature, the 



smallest of our Lizards, is fairly com- 

 mon on heathy uplands in Shropshire. Mr. J. Steele 



