SNAKES 109 



with the snake, its eyes are small. Every move- 

 ment and habit, however, shows that the eyes are 

 good. 



In Latin this worm is named better. Anguis 

 fragilis or brittle-worm, because, like the lizards 

 (of which you remind me it is one), it can escape 

 capture by snapping off its own tail, the tail 

 jumping about like a snake in itself, while the 

 owner bestows itself in a safe place. Many of the 

 slow-worms we catch have but stumps of tails 

 slowly growing to replace the elegant organ that 

 has been discarded in some sudden panic. 



