different Species of Viper. 185 



there appears to be a fair doubt whether or no the vipers thus 

 enumerated are really distinct species, or merely varieties; and 

 even their being varieties admits of query. An intelligent 

 observer, E. N. D. (in Mag. Ned. Hist., vol. vi. p. 526., and 

 vol. vii. p. 176.), raises the question, by inclining to the opinion 

 that there is but one species of poisonous reptile ; and, so far as 

 personal observation (limited, as already mentioned) extends, 

 that opinion is borne out by fact; and, more generally speaking, 

 no reason, or well-founded authority, is known upon which 

 to dispute the truth of the opinion, that there is but one species 

 of venomous reptile throughout Great Britain. Let us examine 

 the matter a little. 



In the first place, the habits of the ophidian genera are very 

 imperfectly known, and what is related respecting them seems 

 to be as confused as it is inexact. Nor is this to be wondered 

 at, seeing how disgusting reptiles are, and how dangerous (but 

 much more in apprehension than reality) they are reputed to be. 

 Country people, besides, being inexact (although their occupa- 

 tions afford them frequent and good opportunities for making 

 observations), in their accounts, are seldom to be depended 

 upon : they are not nice observers of that which does not im- 

 mediately affect their concerns; and disgust, or fear, or indif- 

 ference, incapacitates them for taking accurate notice ; and 

 these feelings induce contradiction, confusion, and exaggera- 

 tion. Viper-catchers may be better authorities, as from use 

 they overcome the not unnatural repugnance to these animals ; 

 but in their case accuracy depends entirely upon individual 

 intelligence, and, except the reporter be unexceptionable, their 

 statements ought to be cautiously received. 



The experience of professed naturalists upon this matter, 

 singular as it may appear, seems to be more confined than 

 hitherto is suspected, or will willingly be admitted. Many 

 there are, who, like Goldsmith, never saw the creatures they 

 undertake to treat of; and their own observations are too few 

 to entitle any one on their authority to decide the question of 

 whether there be one only or more kinds of venomous reptiles. 

 Dr. Leach, and Dr. Fleming coincides with him, (the latter 

 strangely enough giving a place to the Dumfries snake as a 

 distinct species of Natrix, or snake, probably poisonous !) has 

 reduced the multiplied species of black, blue, and red vipers 

 " to the rank of varieties." Dr. Leach, as a naturalist, is an 

 authority not to be lightly treated, and both he and Dr. Flem- 

 ing are of opinion there is but one species of poisonous reptile, 

 and that the common adder, or viper. 



There are many credible accounts of vipers having been 

 kept in cages for a great length of time (from six to ten, and so 



Vol. I. — No. 4. n. s. p 



