150 THE STORY OF REPTILE LIFE. 



last few years, its meaning was vaguely realised 

 long since. As witness of this we quote the 

 following lines : 



" The deadliest snakes are those which, twined 'mongst 



flowers, 



Blend their bright colouring with varied blossoms, 

 Their fierce eyes glittering like the spankled dewdrop ; 

 In all so like what nature has most harmless, 

 That sportive innocence, which dreads no danger, 

 Is poisoned unawares." Old Play. 



The absence of white coloration among 

 Keptiles is easily understood. Save amid snow, 

 such an investment would be extremely con- 

 spicuous, therefore the wearer would need either 

 to be sufficiently strong to bid defiance to all 

 enemies, or to be independent of colour for its 

 food. Amid snow a white dress might be essen- 

 tial, as among birds and mammals, but as 

 reptiles which live in regions where snow falls 

 hybernate during the winter months, no such 

 adaptation to their environment is needed. 



The Lizards, Grass-snake, and Viper of the 

 British Islands are admirable examples of resem- 

 blance colours. Harmonizing perfectly with their 

 immediate surroundings, the lizards are to be 

 regarded as illustrating protective resemblance, 

 acquiring by their disguise escape from their 

 enemies the snakes. Whilst the latter from 

 their equally perfect covering illustrate aggres- 

 sive resemblance whereby they are enabled to 

 steal unawares upon their prey. It may be 

 objected that this theory of coloration proves 

 too much, inasmuch as, if the lizards are effec- 

 tually concealed, and with their other prey 



