THE COMMON SNAKE. 



49 



viper before it is dismissed. It is not a malignant 

 creature, nor does it seek after victims ; but it is as 

 timid as any creature in existence, slipping away at 

 the sound of a footstep, and only using its fangs if 

 trodden on accidentally, or intentionally assaulted. 



The second English snake is the common harmless 

 Ringed Snake ; which does not bite, because it has 

 no teeth to speak of; and does not poison people, 

 because it has no venom at all. 



COMMON SNAKE. 



Its only mode of defence is by pouring forth a most 

 unpleasant, pungent odour, which adheres to the 

 hands or clothes so pertinaciously, that many wash- 

 ings are required before it is expelled. Yet it is 

 sparing enough even of this solitary weapon, and 



