Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/29

GRASS SNAKE absence of a suitable food supply, egg-depositing area, character of the soil, or what not, seems undetermined. It inhabits commons, heaths, uncultivated grassy tracts hedges, woods, and waste places. It is rare in the North of England and Scotland, and in districts which seem admirably suited for it. It is the commonest Snake in Europe. The Grass Snake differs from the Adder in depositing eggs, and does not produce living young These eggs are laid in late Spring, or early Summer, and

may number from 15 to 30. Perhaps the average number produced during the season is 20 to 30. These egg-masses, each separate egg being joined to its fellow by a sticky substance exuded for the purpose, are usually found in manure or refuse heaps, old walls, under bundles of faggots, and similar places. After being deposited, it takes several weeks for the young to emerge, and they are provided with what is called a "temporary horny tooth" on the snout so that the leathery 13