THE SMOOTH SNAKE. . 57 



that it has been found in Sweden, but it is every- 

 where less abundant than the common snake.* 



In reference to the occurrence of this snake in 

 Sweden, Mr. Wheelwright, in a communication 

 to the Field newspaper, f says, " It is common on 

 most parts of the Continent, and by no means 

 rare in Sweden. It is met with as far north as 

 Upsala, but nowhere more common than around 

 Gothenburg. We call it in Sweden the c Slat 

 Snok ' or smooth snake ; and in this lies the 

 principal distinguishing mark between it and the 

 common ringed snake. In the common snake 

 the scales on the upper parts of the body are im- 

 bricated, those on the back being lancet-shaped, 

 and distinctly keeled along the middle, whereas 

 in the Smooth Snake the scales are oval, altogether 

 smooth, without the slightest indication of a 

 keel." As far as I can observe, with us the 

 Smooth Snake appears to be partial to stony 

 tracts; it is perfectly harmless, and its prin- 

 cipal food appears to be mice ; and one which 

 was kept a long time in confinement would not 

 touch a frog. With us it rarely exceeds about 

 two feet in length ; it appears to be of a much 

 tamer and more companionable nature than the 

 common snake. A most singular thing is that, 



* Lord Clermont's " Quadrupeds and Reptiles of Europe." 

 t The Field, October 18, 1862. 



