Snakes Swimming. 301 



seen a snake in a tree ( though I have heard of their 

 getting up trees ) , but I have seen them in hawthorn 

 bushes several feet from the ground, and apparently 

 proceeding along the boughs with ease. I once 

 found one in a bird's nest : the nest was empty the 

 snake had doubtless had a feast, and was enjoying 

 deglutition. In some places where snakes are numer- 

 ous, boys when bird's-nesting always give the nest a 

 gentle thrust with a stick first before putting the hand 

 in, lest they should grasp a snake instead of eggs. The 

 snake is also accused of breaking and sucking eggs 

 some say it is the hard-set eggs he prefers ; whether 

 that be so or no, eggs are certainty often found 

 broken and the yolk gone. When the young fledg- 

 lings fall out of the nest on the ground they run 

 great risk from snakes. 



When sitting in a punt in summer, moored a hun- 

 dred yards or more from shore, I have often watched 

 a snake swim across the lake, in that place about 

 three hundred yards wide. In the distance all that 

 is visible is a small black spot moving steadily over 

 the water. This is the snake's head, which he holds 

 above the surface, and which vibrates a little from 

 side to side with the exertions of the muscular body. 

 As he comes nearer a slight swell undulates on each 

 side, marking his progress. Snakes never seem to 

 venture so far from shore except when it is per- 

 fectly calm. The movement of the body is exactly 

 the same as on land the snake glides over the sur- 

 face, the bends of its body seeming to act like a screw. 

 They go at a good pace, and with the greatest ap- 

 parent ease. In walking beside the meadow brooks, 

 not everywhere, but in localities where these reptiles 



