THE SMOOTH SNAKE. 47 
seven labial plates on the upper lip on each side, the 
third and fourth of which touch upon the eye; the 
scales of the body are smooth, rhomboid, in nineteen 
longitudinal rows. The plates on the 
belly number from 160 to 164, those 
on the under surface of the tail from 
60 to 64 pairs.” 
Habits.—The favourite food of 
this snake seems to consist of various 
lizards, especially slow-worms, and 
mice. It casts its slough, like other 
snakes, and hibernates; but the latter 
Fic. 9.— 
Heap Phares or 
of the other British species. Instead — Swoon Swake. 
process is not so long as in the case 
of burying itself, it is said to stretch — (P, frontal; 8, supra- 
ocular; P, parietal.) 
on the surface of the ground. In its 
disposition the smooth snake is said to be rather 
fierce, but its bite is quite harmless. Like the 
ring snake, this species emits a strong secretion 
when excited. 
Reproduction.—The smooth snake is viviparous, 
bringing forth about twelve young ones at a time, 
near the end of August. 
Historical—In the year 1886 the Rev. O. P. 
Cambridge contributed a very valuable paper on 
this species to the ‘Proceedings of the Dorset 
Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club,’ a copy 
of which he has been good enough to send me with 
1 Aflalo,fNatural History (Vertebrates) of the British Islands. 
