54 COLUBRID.E. 



kind to exist in Ireland, or at least of their non-existence 

 in that island, that I have endeavoured to ascertain exactly 

 to what extent these statements are correct. I have already 

 mentioned the existence of the L. agilis there, and with re- 

 gard to the present species, the following is the result of my 

 inquiries. It would appear not only that the Common 

 Snake is not indigenous to Ireland, but that several attempts 

 to introduce it have totally failed. Mr. Ball some time 

 since informed me of some trials of this kind ; and the fol- 

 lowing letter, which I have recently received from Mr. 

 Thompson, gives a very detailed and clear account of the 

 actual facts. 



" In this order (Ophidia) there is not now, nor I believe 

 ever was there, any species indigenous to Ireland. In the 

 Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal for April 1835,* it is 

 remarked, ' We have learned from good authority that a 

 recent importation of Snakes has been made into Ireland, 

 and that at present they are multiplying rapidly within a few 

 miles of the tomb of St. Patrick.' I never," proceeds Mr. 

 Thompson, " heard of this circumstance until it was pub- 

 lished, and subsequently endeavoured to ascertain its truth, 

 by inquiring of the persons about Downpatrick, (where the 

 tomb of St. Patrick is,) who are best acquainted with these 

 subjects, not one of whom had ever heard of Snakes being in 

 the neighbourhood. Recollecting that about the year 1831 

 a Snake (Natrix torquata), immediately after being killed 

 at Milecross, was brought by some country people in great 

 consternation to my friend, Dr. J. L. Drummond, I thought 

 this might be one of those alluded to ; and recently made 

 inquiry of James Clealand, Esq. of Ruth Gael House (coun- 

 ty Down), twenty-five miles distant in a direct line from 

 Downpatrick, respecting Snakes said to have been turned 

 out by him ; I was favoured by that gentleman with the fol- 

 Vol. XVIII. p. 373. 



