Ophidia.
The Ringed Snake, Natrix torquata, is seldom seen in the neighbourhood of Tamworth—although on one occasion the occupants of a boat on the river Anker saw one of these snakes glide down the bank and swim towards them—it is common in Merivale Park, occasionally found in Sutton Park, and near Dudley. The Viper or Adder, Pelias berus, our only poisonous reptile, is locally common, but generally rare; a large number were killed in Sutton Park during the summer of 1884; it is plentiful on Chartley Moss, Cannock Chase, and in the Forest of Wyre. The Viper is shorter and thicker than the Common Snake, and easily distinguished by the V shaped marking on the head.
Anoura.
The Common Frog, Rana temporaria, is very abundant, and may be seen in hundreds in the ditches during March. The Common Toad, Bufo vulgaris, is also generally distributed.
Urodela.
The Common Warty-Newt, Triton cristatus, may be found in ponds throughout the district. The Smooth-Newt, Lissotriton punctatus, is a habitant of every clear horsepond, where it can be seen either basking on the bottom, or rising to the surface for air; this species often leaves the water, and hides under stones.
Chapter II.
Birds.
BY R. W. CHASE.