Volume 2

A history of British reptiles / [Thomas Bell].

  • Thomas Bell
Date:
1839
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A history of British reptiles / [Thomas Bell]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    kind to exist in Ireland,—or at least of their non-existence in that island, that I have endeavoured to ascertain exactly to what extent these statements are correct. I have already mentioned the existence of the L. agilis there, and with re¬ gard to the present species, the following is the result of my inquiries. It would appear not only that the Common Snake is not indigenous to Ireland, but that several attempts to introduce it have totally failed. Mr. Ball some time since informed me of some trials of this kind ; and the fol¬ lowing letter, which I have recently received from Mr. Thompson, gives a very detailed and clear account of the actual facts. 44 In this order (Ophidia) there is not now, nor I believe ever was there, any species indigenous to Ireland. In the Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal for April 1835,* it is remarked, 4 We have learned from good authority that a recent importation of Snakes has been made into Ireland, and that at present they arc multiplying rapidly within a few miles of the tomb of St. Patrick/ I never,” proceeds Mr. Thompson, 44 heard of this circumstance until it was pub¬ lished, and subsequently endeavoured to ascertain its truth, by inquiring of the persons about Downpatrick, (where the tomb of St. Patrick is,) who are best acquainted with these subjects, not one of whom had ever heard of Snakes being in the neighbourhood. Recollecting that about the year 1831 a Snake (Natrix torquata), immediately after being killed at Milecross, was brought by some country people in great consternation to my friend, Dr. J. L. Drummond, I thought this might be one of those alluded to; and recently made inquiry of James Clealand, Esq. of Ruth Gael House (coun¬ ty Down), twenty-five miles distant in a direct line from Downpatrick, respecting Snakes said to have been turned out by him ; I was favoured by that gentleman with the fol- * Vol. XVIII. p. 373.
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