—In confirmation of the statement made as to the expression "in print" meaning "with exactness," &c., I perfectly remember an old Somersetshire servant of our's, who used to say, when he saw me romping after I was dressed: "Take care, Sir, you'll put your hair out of print."
C. W. B.
Introduction of Reptiles into Ireland (Vol. iii., p. 491.).
—The snakes introduced into the county of Down in 1831, alluded to by EIRIONNACH, were the very harmless and easily tamed species, Coluber natrix of Linnæus, Natrix torquata of Ray. They were purchased in Covent Garden Market; and, to the number of six, were turned out in the garden of Rath Gael House. One was killed at Milecross, three miles distant, about a week after its liberation; and three others were shortly afterwards killed in the same neighbourhood. The fate of the remaining two is unknown, but there can be little doubt that they were also killed, as the country-people offered a considerable reward for their destruction. The writer well remembers the consternation and exceedingly angry feelings caused by this novel importation.
We may conclude, that though the snake is not indigenous to Ireland, yet there is nothing in either the soil or climate to prevent its naturalisation. It is highly probable that an insular position is unfavourable to the spread of the serpent tribe. Other islands—New Zealand, for instance—as well as Ireland, have no native Ophidia.
It is generally, but erroneously, believed that there are no toads in Ireland. The Natter-jack (Bufo calamita), a closely allied species to the common toad, is found about Killarney. Can any reader inform me if there is any record of its introduction?
W. PINKERTON.
Ancient Wood Engraving of the Picture of Cebes (Vol. iii., pp. 277. 436.).
—Your correspondent THE HERMIT OF HOLYPORT having been informed respecting the subject of his wood-cut, may yet be further satisfied to know its date, and where it is to be found. It occurs in a Latin version of the Pinax, with a commentary by Justus Velsius, printed in 4to., at Lyons? (Lugduni) in 1551. The title runs thus: Justi Velseri Hagani, in Cebetis Thebani Tabulam Commentariorum Libri Sex, Totius Moralis Philosophiæ Thesaurus. The Pinax commonly accompanies that valuable little manual the Enchiridion of Epictetus, of which that excellent man John Evelyn, in a letter to Lord Cornbury, thus speaks:
"Besides the Divine precepts, I could never receive anything from Philosophy that was able to add a graine to my courage upon the intellectual assaults like that Enchiridion and little weapon of Epictetus: 'Nunquam te quicquam perdidisse dicito, sed reddidisse,' says he: 'Filius obijt? redditus est.' It is in his 15th chapter. You cannot imagine what that little target will encounter. I never go abroad without it in my pocket. What an incomparable guard is that: τὰ δὲ οὐκ ἐφ' ἡμῖν, cap. i., where he discourses of the things which are, and are not in our power. I know, my Lord, you employ your retirements nobly; weare this defensive for my sake,—I had almost said this Christian Office."