PREFACE. x1 
first time. One of the adder’s gullet illustrated a 
paper in the ‘ Zoologist’ (September 1900) by myself; 
and seven were published in ‘Good Words’ (January 
1901) to illustrate an article by F. G. Aflalo; while 
two (those of a young ring snake and a bundle of 
eggs) appeared in ‘Country Life’ The editors of 
these three publications have kindly permitted their 
reproduction here. 
I have to thank my brother-in-law, Mr George 
Gordon, for the trouble he has taken in verifying 
some records and for other help; and my friend, Rev. 
M. G. Watkins, for valuable aid. 
Lastly, I cannot say how much [ have been en- 
couraged in my work by the interest taken in it by 
my former teacher, Professor Cossar Ewart, of Edin- 
burgh University; and by the aid and advice of my 
friend, F. G. Aflalo, F.R.G.S., F.Z.8., the latter of 
whose various books on animals have furnished me 
with many quotations, and whose valued friendship 
I owe to a common interest in the animals of this 
country. 
GERALD LEIGHTON. 
GRoOsMONT, PONTRILAS, 
HEREFORDSHIRE, July 1901. 
