Adder and Grass-Sna^e 



MOST snakes lay eggs, but not the common adder, or 

 that common English lizard, the harmless blind-worm 

 or slow- worm these bring forth their young alive. 

 The grass-snake, having laid its eggs, may never see 

 its young ones after they are hatched ; but the adder 

 stays by her family, to protect them. 



The adder is known from the grass-snake by the 

 inky-black zigzag markings down his back, and the 

 dark V-shaped mark on his head. He may be ash- 

 grey or brightly coloured, yellowish or reddish, a 

 beautiful sight to see in sunlight ; yet amid suitable 

 surroundings all his colours and the dark zigzag line 

 mingle harmoniously with the patches of sunlight 

 and shadows about him. 



The harmless grass-snake is a greyish green colour, 

 and, lacking the distinct zigzag, is dotted over with 

 black spots. 



It is well to know an adder, and to be on the look-out 

 for one when primrosing in April, or lying on the heather 

 of commons or downs in summer-time. For it would 

 not be pleasant to sit down on a primrose bank and 

 accidentally lay hands on an adder ; but unless thus 

 touched, he would not venture to harm anybody. 

 Sheep sometimes, on the downs, are bitten on the 

 nose when grazing and are killed by adders ; the 

 shepherd kills adders in turn, as do nearly all people 

 who have the chance. 



