A HISTORY OF CORNWALL OPHIDIA 3. Ringed or Grass Snake. TroftJonotus natrix, Linn. Bell, Natrix torquata. Not uncommon but somewhat local ; generally found in damp meadows and about marshy land. It swims well with body partly submerged and head erect, and is capable of climbing low bushes. The largest county specimen handled by the writer measured 3 ft. 3 in. in length. 4. Viper. Vipera berus, Linn. Locally, Longcripple. Widely distributed and in some districts com- mon. It swims almost as well as the grass snake, but does not take so freely to the water. The largest specimen submitted to the measuring tape during the past seven years was 21 in. long. The variety known as the ' Red viper ' is apparently not uncommon. BATRACHIANS ECAUDATA 1. Common Frog. Rana temporaria, Linn. Abundant. [Edible Frog, Rana esculenta, Linn. Though occasionally referred to as a Cornish species this frog does not occur in the county.] 2. Toad, Sufi vulgaris, Linn. Generally distributed and common. [Natter-jack Toad. Bufo calamtta, Laur. Has been several times recorded for the county, probably through mistaken identification. A yellow stripe down the back easily distinguishes it from the common toad.] CAUDATA [Both the Great-crested and the Common Smooth Newt have till recently been generally accepted as members of the county fauna. There are, however, no specimens of either in any available county col- lection, and none have been seen by recent observers. Though it seems probable that the smooth newt at least may occur in Cornwall both species must be removed from the county list till authenticated speci- mens have been obtained.] 3. Palmated or Webbed Newt. Molge palmata, Schneid. Bell, Lissotriton falmipes. Locally, Asker, Evat, Eft. Very common about Truro and Falmouth, and probably generally distributed throughout the county. As Boulenger points out, it may be distinguished ' at all stages of life and at all seasons by the absence of every trace of pigment on the throat, which is of a transparent flesh colour.' 308
