The Life - Bistory of British Serpents. By Gerald R. Leighton, M.D.
(Blackwood and Sons. 59. net.)—Dr. Leighton gives us here what may fairly be called an exhaustive account of the British serpents. There are, it is commonly stated, three species only, the ring snake (Tropilonotus Matrix), the smooth snake (Coronella Austriaca), and the adder (Vipera Berus). The second of these is very rare, but may be properly claimed as a native species. Dr. Leighton further believes in a small red adder or viper. This, however, is a disputed point. The habits of these creatures in freedom and in captivity, and their history generally, are treated fully in this volume. Dr. Leighton has taken great pains in ascertaining the distribution of the various species. He has also collected details of cases of bites. The adder is a for- midable creature, and there are instances of its bite being fatal, even to healthy subjects, but this seldom happens to adults. The cause of death is the failure of heart action.
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