Page:VCH Buckinghamshire 1.djvu/171

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REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS

adders basking in the month of March. This observer attributes their decreasing numbers in some degree to the woods and heaths, their usual haunts, being more frequented by people than formerly, and consequently they are killed in larger numbers. Mr. Alfred Howard says that adders are to be found on Amersham Common.

BATRACHIANS

ECAUDATA

1. Common Frog. Rana temporaria , Linn.

This species is abundant everywhere in damp places. All observers report its common occurrence.

2. Common Toad. Bufo vulgaris Laur.

This also is of general distribution in Buckinghamshire.

3. Natterjack Toad. Bufo calamita, Laur.

Mr. T. D. Phillips informs me that the natterjack toad, though far from common, is to be found in certain places on the north- eastern borders of the county. It is locally known as the ' golden-back ' from the bright yellow or cream-coloured line down the centre of the back.

CAUDATA

4. Great Crested Newt. Molge criitata, Laur.

This appears to be abundant, though probably less so than the common newt. Mr. T. D. Phillips states that both these ' efts ' are to be found plentifully in the ponds near Woburn Sands and Aspley Heath.

5. Common Newt. Molge vulgaris, Linn.

Abundant in ponds and ditches throughout the county.

6. Palmated Newt. Molge palmata, Schn.

This species is not of very common occur- rence in the Aspley Heath neighbourhood, where Mr. T. D. Phillips records its presence. Mr. M. D. Hill reports that the three species of Molge are to be found in the county.

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