462 VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF LAKELAND 



species, basking in the sunshine upon some heather-covered 

 prominence. The late Mr. Kirkby captured great numbers of 

 Vipers in the neighbourhood of Ulverston, and showed me some 

 pretty sections of their teeth under the microscope. His skill 

 in capturing these animals was very great. The occupation 

 appeared to have become his ruling passion. 



Order LA CER TILIA . Fam. LA GER TIDjE. 



COMMON LIZARD. 



Lacerta vivipara, Jacq. 



This Lizard occurs plentifully on many of the hedge banks, 

 especially in dry situations, both upon the coast and in the 

 interior of Lakeland. One of the brightest of the local 

 specimens that have come under my notice was captured 

 on a moor near Tebay. Lizards are often termed ' Asks ' and 

 ' Land Asks ' by country folk. 



Order LACERTILIA. Fam. SCINGIDJE. 



SLOW-WORM. 



Anguis fragilis, L. 



To one accustomed to find the Slow-worm comparatively 

 numerous on the heaths of the south of England, this reptile 

 might appear to be rare in Lakeland. It is, however, local 

 rather than rare. If searched for carefully it would probably 

 be found in a good many localities. Thus it is not uncommon in 

 the neighbourhood of Appleby. Mr. Tom Duckworth has always 

 been accustomed to find the Slow-worm in the Corby woods. 

 I have not as yet seen a specimen from the heart of the Lake 

 Mountains. Mr. Jackson describes it as present in Martindale 

 New Forest, and his description seems to identify the animal 

 beyond a doubt. The name ? Hagworm ' is applied in different 

 districts to the Slow-worm, the Viper, and the Common Snake. 



