THAMES PROVINCE. 279 
colour varies here as elsewhere. I have seen some 
on the marshes nearly black.’—(Dr) Henry Laver, 
Colchester (author of ‘The Mammals, Reptiles, and 
Fishes of Essex’). 
“The ring snake is fairly common in Epping Forest, 
where the adder is less abundant. The latter is found 
in the more northern parts, where the soil is more 
sandy. The black form of the adder occurs. The 
smooth snake does not occur, to my knowledge, Mr 
E. Fitch, F.L8., writes me: ‘In some years adders 
abound on our commons and on our sea- walls, 
but they have been much rarer of late years. I 
recorded the largest local ring snake in the “ Hssex 
Naturalist”; it measured 3 feet 3 inches, I think. 
This is far the most common species in Essex.’ Mr 
Miller Christy says: ‘I should say that the ring 
snake is vastly more common in the county than 
the adder, as the former is found in almost all parts, 
the latter only, or mainly, in the marshes or in woody 
or heathy localities, which are comparatively rare in 
the county. ”—Wm. Cole, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. 
Hertfordshire. 
“The grass snake or ring snake is the most common 
in this county, but is not often found. When it does 
occur its length varies from 24 to 36 inches. The 
adder is very seldom seen, and the smooth snake 
never, as far as I am aware.”—A. E. Gibbs, County 
Museum, St Albans. 
