64 
REPTILIA. 
“ Such is the most accurate and authentic account which I have yet obtained 
respecting this curious fact in the geographical distribution of these animals ; and 
it certainly does not appear that the failure of these attempts to introduce snakes 
into Ireland is to be attributed to anything connected with climate or other 
local circumstances, but rather to the prejudices of the inhabitants which led to 
their destruction ; nor is there reason to believe that their absence from Ireland is 
other than purely accidental.” 
For remarks on Reptiles in Ireland and St. Patrick, see the Irish 
Version of Nennius, p. 218 and 219. — Published by Irish Archeeol. Society, 
1848. 
The Blind-worm or Slow-worm, Anguis fragilis, Linn. 
I have taken this species in Wales near Tremadoc. I saw one wanting the black 
dorsal line entirely. — It has been brought to me in Ayrshire ; and when at 
Aberarder (Inverness-shire) I was told that it was not uncommon there. 
The Ringed Snake, Natrix torquata, Ray. 
Mr. Davis, writing from Clonmel in February, 1846, informed me that 
the ringed snake “ has been several times introduced, but seldom if ever 
survives the first winter. Some hundreds were said to have been liberated 
in a demesne near this a few years ago, but not one was to be met with in 
twelve months after.” 
In the Isle of Wight it seems to be particularly common. 
The Common Viper or Adder, Pelius Berus , Merr. 
I have occasionally met with this species when shooting in the neighbourhood 
of Ballantrae, Ayrshire. 
I was told at Aberarder in 1842 that they are found there, but are scarce, 
the blind-worm being more common. 
In August, 1848, I received a very fine adder killed by my friend Robert 
Callwell, Esq., in the island of Islay, during that month. 
Mr. Sinclaire states that when he was at this island many years ago with two 
Irish friends, these gentlemen amused themselves by shooting snakes along the 
shore, — an amusement which Irishmen only — having no such “vermin” at 
home — would think of. 
The Common Frog, Rana temporaria, Linn. 
This species has for a long period been disseminated over the island. 
Of its having been introduced to Ireland there cannot be a doubt. 
In Gough’s edition of Camden’s Britannia, vol. iv. p. 234, “ The follow- 
ing lines by St. Donatus, Bishop of Etruria, who died anno Dom. 840,” 
are given. They refer to Ireland. 
“ Ursorum rabies nulla est ibi ; saeva leonum 
Semina nec unquam Scotica terra tulit : 
Nulla venena nocent, nec serpens serpit in herba, 
Nec conquesta canit garrula ranalacu.” 
“No savage bear with lawless fury roves, 
No raging lion through her sacred groves ; 
No poison there infects, no scaly snake 
Creeps through the grass, nor frog annoys the lake.” 
It is stated in Rutty’s Natural History of Dublin (vol. i. p. 290) that the 
Frog “was brought into this kingdom in 1699 by Dr. Guithers.” This 
gentleman, who was one of the fellows of Trinity College, Dublin, is said 
