Classification 



Order 3. OPHIDIA Snakes. 



Order 4. CHELONIA The partly aquatic Turtles, 

 and the terrestrial Tortoises. 



Order 5. CROCODILIA Alligators and Crocodiles. 



Of these five Orders two are represented in the 

 British fauna the Lacertillia and Ophidia. The 

 Lacertillia of the world are divided into about twenty 

 families, of which only two are represented in Britain 

 Family Anguidae by Anguis fragitis, the Slow- Worm ; 

 and Family Lacertidae, by our four Lizards, Lacerta 

 vivipera, L. agilis^ L. viridis, and L. muralis. The 

 world's Ophidia are divided into numerous families, 

 of which two have British species. The Adder belongs 

 to the Family Viperidae ; the Ringed and Smooth 

 Snakes are of the Family Colubridae. 



The Reptiles of the world number upwards of 4,000 

 species, and in proportion thereto our eight representa- 

 tives are very inconspicuous. While comparatively few 

 Reptiles are harmful to man, persons who are not 

 naturalists usually regard all as pests ; such, perhaps, 

 may find consolation in the fewness of British Reptiles, 

 and regard it as some compensation to those who endure 

 the changeful meteorological conditions of Great 

 Britain. 



