_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?