The Blind Worm, or Slow Worm.

This reptile is a snake, varying from twelve to eighteen inches long. Its head is small, and its movements very rapid. At the slightest noise, it darts away in a moment, and hides among rocks, stones, or rank grass. It is said to have no eyes, but this is a popular mistake—hence, however, its name, Blind Worm. This beautiful timid creature is often wantonly cut into pieces by its cruel and mistaken captors, for they credit it with the possession of evil propensities. It is said that, could it see, it would be a formidable enemy to man and beast. This supposition has found strength and sanction in doggerel verse. The Blind Worm is said to address the adder as follows:—

If I could see,
As well as thee,
Man nor beast
Should ne’er pass me.

Another version of these lines, heard in Shropshire, on the borders of Wales, is:—

If I had one eye,
As thou hast two,
No man should live,
Nor beast should loo (low).

These doggerel lines indicate clearly the dread in which this innocent snake is held.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Acton, T. A., Regent Street, Wrexham

Adcane, Miss, Plas Llanfawr, Holyhead

Andrews, Mr Wm., The Hull Press, 1, Dock Street, Hull

Arnold, Prof. E. P., M.A., 10, Bryn Têg, Bangor

Ballinger, John, Mr., Cardiff Free Library, Cardiff

Barnes, J. R., Esq., The Quinta, Chirk

Bennett, Edgar, Esq., 2, Court Ash, Yeovil

Bennett, N., Esq., Glanyrafon, Llanidloes

Bangor, The Lord Bishop of, The Palace, Bangor, N.W.

Bowen, Alfred E., Esq., Town Hall, Pontypool

Bryan, B., Esq., Pen-lan, Ruthin

Bryan, R. F., Esq.,

Bury, Mrs., Ellesmere, Shropshire

Chapman, Henry, Mr., Dolfor School, Near Newtown

Cunliffe, R., Esq., Llanrhaiadr Hall, Denbigh

Daniels, Rev. J., Curate, Carmarthen

Davies-Cooke, Philip B., Esq., Gwysanny, Mold

Davies, Rev. L. W., Manafon Rectory, Welshpool

Davies, Rev. D. W., M.A., The Vicarage, St. Asaph

Davies, Rev. Joseph, B.A., Curate, Holywell

Davies, Rev. C. H., M.A., Tregarth, Bangor

Davies, Rev. E. T., B.A., The Vicarage, Pwllheli

Davies, Rev. J., B.A., Bryneglwys Vicarage, Corwen

Davies, Rev. J. J., Machynlleth

Davies, W. Cadwaladr, Esq., Penybryn, Bangor, N. Wales

Davies, Rev. T. R., Curate, The Hut, Farnham Royal, Windsor

Davies, Thos. Mr., Draper, 121, High Holborn, London

Davies, Rev. T. A., B.A.,

D’Erisleigh, R. S., Esq., Salisbury College, Stoneycroft, Liverpool

Drinkwater, Rev. C. H., St. George’s Vicarage, Shrewsbury

Duckworth, Thos., Esq., Librarian, Worcester Public Library, Worcester

Edwards, Rev. D., M.A., Vicarage, Rhyl

Edwards, Mr. R., Litherland, Near Liverpool

Edwards, T. C., D.D., Principal, College, Bala

Edwards, Rev R, Rectory, Bettws, Gwerfil Goch, Near Corwen

Edwards, Rev. E. J., B.A., Vicar, Tremeirchion, St. Asaph

Elias, Miss Elizabeth, 2, Chapel Street, Conway

Ellis, Rev. Robert, The Rectory, Llansannan, Abergele

Evans, Mr. E., School House, Gwernaffield, Mold

Evans, Rev. E., The Vicarage, Llanarmon, Mold

Evans, Rev. J. T., Bettws Vicarage, Abergele

Evans, Rev. J., B.A., Tallarn Green, Malpas

Evans, Rev. D. W., M.A., St. George’s Vicarage, Abergele

Evans, Rev. T. H., Minera Vicarage, Wrexham

Evans, Rev. W., B.A., 5, King Street, Aberystwyth

Evans, Rev. J. O., M.A., Peterston Rectory, Cardiff

Evans, Rev. J. Silas, B.A., Vicarage, St. Asaph

Evans, J. G. Esq., 7, Clarendon Villa, Oxford

Evans, J. E., Esq., 12, Albion Road, South Hampstead, London, N.W.

Evans, Mr. Arthur,

Felix, Rev. John, Cilcen Vicarage, Mold

Fisher, Rev. J., B. A., Ruthin

Fletcher, Miss Fanny Lloyd, Nerquis Hall, Mold

Fletcher, Rev. W. H., M.A., The Vicarage, Wrexham

Gardner, H., Esq., C. 18, Exchange, Liverpool

George, Rev. T., B.A., Nerquis Vicarage, Mold

Gilbert, T. H., Esq., 129, Cheapside, London, E.C.

Green, Rev. G. K. M., Exhall Rectory, Alcester, Redditch

Griffith, Rev. D., B.A., Clocaenog Rectory, Ruthin

Griffith, H. J. Lloyd, M.A, Frondeg, Holyhead

Haines, W., Esq., Y Bryn, Near Abergavenny

Harland, E. Sydney, Esq., Barnwood Court, Gloucester

Harper, W. J., Mr., Wern Shop, Rhosesmor, Holywell

Hope, John H., Mr., National School, Holywell

Hughes, Rev. H. T., M.A., Bistre Vicarage, Chester

Hughes, Rev. T., M.A., Buttington Vicarage, Near Welshpool

Hughes, H., Mr., Glyn National School, Llangollen

Hughes, T. G., Esq., 47, Everton Road, Liverpool

Hughes, Rev. Jonathan,

Hughes, Rev. Morgan, Derwen Rectory, Corwen

Humphreys, Mr. W. R, School House, Penycae, Ruabon

James, Rev. E. R, R.D., The Rectory, Marchwiel, Wrexham

James, Rev. D. Pennant, Rectory, Oswestry

Jenkins, Rev. W., Chaplain of H.M. Prison, Ruthin

Jenkins, Rev. J., B.A., Bodawen, Penmaenmawr

Jenkins, Rev. L. D., B.A., Penycae Vicarage, Ruabon

Johnson, Mr. R., National Provincial Bank, Mold

Jones, Rev. D., Llanberis Rectory, Carnarvon

Jones, Rev. D., Llanrhaiadr-yn-Mochnant Vicarage, Oswestry

Jones, Sir Pryce Pryce, Dolerw, Newtown

Jones, Pryce Edward, Esq., M.P., Newtown Hall, Newtown

Jones, Rev. J. Thompson, B.A., Towyn Vicarage, Abergele

Jones, Rev. W., M.A., Trofarth Vicarage, Abergele

Jones, Prof. J. Morris, M.A., University College, Bangor

Jones, Rev. Rees, Carrog Rectory, Corwen

Jones, Rev. Hy., M.A., Llanychan Rectory, Ruthin

Jones, Dr. A. Emrys, 10, Saint John Street, Manchester

Jones, Miss M., Bryn Siriol, Mold

Jones, Rev. Evan

Jones, Rev. Jno., Curate, Llanbedr, Ruthin

Jones, Rev. G. J., Curate of Ysceifiog, Holywell

Jones, Mr. H. W., Tanyberllan, Penmaenmawr

Jones, Rev. Stephen, Curate, Mold

Jones, Rev. W., Curate of Northop, Flintshire

Jones, Mr. Powell, School House, Llanelidan, Ruthin

Jones, Rev. Pierce, Aber Rectory, Bangor

Jones, Rev. Griffith Arthur, M.A., St. Mary’s, Cardiff

Jones, Rev. Griffith, The Vicarage, Mostyn, Holywell

Jones, Lewis, Esq., Journal Office, Rhyl

Jones, J. R, Delbury School, Craven Arms, Salop

Jones, Mr. T., The Schools, Ffynnongroyw, Holywell, N.W.

Jones, Mr. J. E., National School, Llawr y Bettws, Corwen

Jones, Mr. L. P., National Schools, Rhosesmor, Holywell

Jones, Rev. Enoch, M.A.

Jones, Rev. W., Llanasa Vicarage, Holywell

Jones, F., Esq., Pyrocanth House, Ruthin

Jones, R. Prys, Esq., B.A., Board School, Denbigh

Jones, Rev. Wynne, M.A., Rhosddu, Wrexham

Kenrick, Mr. Robert, 24, Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth

Lewis, Rev. D., Rectory, Merthyr Tydfil

Lewis, Rev. H. Elvet, Llanelly, Carmarthenshire

Lewis, Dr., Llansantffraid, Oswestry

Lewis, Rev. J. P., The Vicarage, Conway

Lindsay, W. M., Esq., Librarian, Jesus College, Oxford

Lloyd, Rev. T. H., M.A., Vicarage, Llansantffraid-yn-Mechain, Oswestry

Lloyd, Rev. John, The Rectory, Dolgelley

Lloyd, E. O. V., Esq., M.A., Rhaggatt, Corwen

Lloyd, Rev. L. D., B.A., Curate, Rhosddu, Wrexham

Lloyd, Rev. T., B.A., The Rectory, Bala

Lloyd, John Edward, Professor, M.A., University College, Bangor

Luxmore, E. B., Esq., Bryn Asaph, St. Asaph

Mainwaring, Col., Galltfaenan, Trefnant, R.S.O., N. Wales

Marsh, Miss Ellen, late of Tybrith, Carno, Mont.

M’Gonigle, Rev. T. G., Weston, Shrewsbury

M’Gormick, Rev. T. H. J., Holy Trinity, Ilkestone, Derbyshire

Minshall, P. H., Esq., Solicitor, Oswestry

Morgan, Rev. John, M.A., Rectory, Llandudno

Morris, Edward, Esq., M.A., Copthorne House, Ruthin Road, Wrexham

Morris, Rev. John., M.A., The Rectory, Llanelidan, Ruthin

Muspratt, Miss, Trelawney, Flint

Nayler-Leyland, Mrs., Nantclwyd Hall, Ruthin

Nicholas, Rev. W. Ll., M.A., Flint Rectory, Flint

Nixon and Jarvis, Bank Place, Bangor

Nutt, David, 270, Strand, London, W.C.

Oldfield, J. E., Esq., B.A., Fferm, Bettws, Abergele

Owen, Rev. R. M., M.A., The Vicarage, Bagillt

Owen, Mr, School House, Burton, Gresford

Owen, E. H., Esq., F.S.A., Ty Coch, Nr. Carnarvon

Owen, Rev. E. J., Penmaen Villa, Llanfairfechan, Carnarvonshire

Owen, Rev, T., B.A., Curate, Rhosllanerchrugog, Ruabon

Owen, Hon. Mrs. Bulkeley, Tedsmore

Owen, Isambard, M.D., 5, Hertford Street, Mayfair, London, W.

Owen, Rev. W. P., B.A., Curate, Holy Trinity, Oswestry

Owen, T. Morgan, Esq., H.M.I. of Schools, Bronwylfa, Rhyl, 4 copies

Owen, Rev. T. W., M.A., Empingham Rectory, Rutlandshire

Owen, A. C. Humphreys, Esq., Glansevern, Garthmyl, Mont.

Owen, Morris, Esq., Market Street, Carnarvon

Owen, Rev. J., Dyserth Vicarage, Rhyl

Owen, Rev. W. D., B.A., Gwernaffield Vicarage, Mold.

Palmer, Alfred Neobard, 19, King Street, Wrexham

Parkins, Trevor, Esq, M.A., Gresford

Parkins, W. T., Esq., M.A., Glasfryn, Gresford, Wrexham

Parry, H., Glyn Mare, Conway

Pennant, Hon. Gertrude Douglas, Hans Place, London, S.W.

Pennant, P. P., Esq., Nantlys, St. Asaph

Phillips, Rev. John

Pierce, W., Board School, Holywell

Pierce, Mr Ellis, Bookseller, Dolyddelen

Pierce, W. M., National School, Denbigh

Price, Mr., School House, Bryneglwys, Corwen

Prichard, Thos., Esq., Llwydiarth Esgob, Llanerchymedd, R.S.O., Anglesey

Probert, Mr John, Castle Estate Office, Ruthin

Pryce, The Ven. Archdeacon, Trefdraeth Rectory, Anglesey

Rees, Miss M., Clifton House, Denbigh

Rees, Mr., School House, Nerquis, Mold

Reece, Rev. T. F., B.A., Llanfwrog Rectory, Ruthin

Reichel, H. R., Esq., Pen’rallt, Bangor

Reynolds, Llywarch, Old Church Place, Merthyr Tydfil

Richardson, The Rev. Chancellor William, M.A., The Rectory, Corwen

Roberts, Rev. J., Fron, Garthmyl, Mont.

Roberts, Mr W. S., School House, Cwmddu, Crickhowel, S. Wales

Roberts, Rev. E. S., B.A., Curate of Penarth, Cardiff

Roberts, G. W., Esq., M.D., Denbigh

Roberts, Rev. J. R., B.A., Curate of St. James’s, Bangor

Roberts, Rev. R., Curate, Blaenau Festiniog

Roberts, Mr. W. Ll., Penyceunant, Penybont Fawr, Llanrhaiadr, Oswestry

Roderick, Rev. E. M., M.A., The Vicarage, Mold

Rowden, Mr B., Rose Cottage, Maesydre, Mold

Rowlands, Rev. D., M.A., Normal College, Bangor

Selby, Mr. Jas. P., School House, Trevor, Ruabon

Shelby, Mr. T. F., 11, Cross Street, Rhosddu, Wrexham

St. Davids, The Lord Bishop, Abergwili Palace, Carmarthen

St. Asaph, Right Rev. Lord Bishop of, The Palace, St. Asaph

Swansea, The Rt. Rev. the Lord Bishop, The Vicarage, Carmarthen

Taylor, Henry, Esq., F.S.A., Angar Park, Chester

Thomas, Rev. D. J., M.A., Vice Principal, The College, Winchester

Thomas, D. Lleufer, Esq., Cefn Hendre, Llandilo

Thomas, Ven. Archdeacon, Meifod Vicarage, Welshpool

Thomas, Rev. J. W., M.A., Rhosymedre Vicarage, Ruabon

Thomas, Rev. J. W., M.A., Bwlchycibau, Oswestry

Thomas, Miss, Park Mostyn, Denbigh

Thomas, Rev. H. E., Assistant Curate, Llangollen

Thomas, Rev. J. Howell, B.A., Curate of Brymbo, Wrexham

Turnour, Dr. A. E., Denbigh

Vaughan, Rev. T. H., B.A., Curate, Rhyl

Venables, R. G., Esq., Ludlow

Walmsley, James, Esq., Plas-y-nant, Ruthin

West, Neville, Esq., Glanyrafon, Llanyblodwel, Oswestry

West, W. Cornwallis, M.P., Ruthin Castle, Ruthin

Whittington, Rev. W. P., The Grammar School, Ruthin

Williams, Rev. R. A., Waenfawr Vicarage, near Carnarvon

Williams, Rev. Lewis, Vicar of Prion, Denbigh

Williams, Rev. R. O., M.A., The Vicarage, Holywell

Williams, Rev. David, Llandyrnog Rectory, Denbigh

Williams, Rev. E. O., Melidan Vicarage, Rhyl

Williams, Rev. T. T., B.A., Penloin, Llanrwst

Williams, Mr. T., Islawrdref Board School, Near Dolgelley

Williams, W. Llewellyn, Esq., Brown Hill, Llangadock, S. Wales

Williams, Rev. Lloyd, B.A., Organizing Sec., S.P.C.K., Wrexham

Williams, Rev. T. Ll., M.A., The Vicarage, St. Asaph

Williams, Rev. G., M.A., Trefonen

Williams, W. P., Esq., Caer Onen, Bangor

Williams, Mr. T. Ll., 64, Love Lane, Denbigh

Williams, Mr. R., 106, Clarence Street, Lower Broughton, Manchester

Wilson, Capt. Hy., Hope, Mold

Wilson, Alfred, Bookseller, 18, Gracechurch Street, London, E.C.

Wood, R. H., Esq. F.S.A., Pantglas, Trawsfynydd

Wykes, Mr C. H., Board School, Rhosddu, Wrexham

Wynne, Miss F. E., 62, Park Street, Grosvenor Square, London