66 OUR REPTILES. 



THE VIPER, OR ADDER. 



(Pelias Berus.) 



FORTUNATELY for us, the present is the only 

 venomous species which inhabits our island, and 

 this is by no means equal to the venomous little 

 reptiles of tropical countries in poisonous power. 

 In Scotland, the Adder is common, whilst the 

 Ringed Snake is but little known, and in England 

 and Wales it is as abundant as any could wish. 

 Of course it is unknown in Ireland. Whether 

 Saint Patrick did or did not banish them, 

 matters little; it is, however, certain that in 

 these latter times no snake-like reptile is to be 

 found there. The Viper, or Adder, for in some 

 districts it is known by one name and in some 



