Ignorance and superstition survive in spite of the spread of education, of the host of popular books, and the efforts of those who strive to spread knowledge. Toads, newts, and frogs are slain by timid and ignorant people, many of whom have received a good education, because they are ‘venomous’; and almost every ringed snake, perfectly innocent and very useful, is attacked by someone who thinks that every ‘serpent’ should be slain.

A lady friend of mine had a Channel Island green lizard, a very pretty and interesting little reptile. One day, however, her pet escaped, and rambled into a neighbouring garden. Here it was discovered by people who thought it was a “serpent with legs,” and who feared that it would “spit fire.” Therefore, they argued, so dangerous a creature must be destroyed. They attempted to drown it, but a lizard takes a great deal of drowning, and finally they finished it off with a hammer. My friend was disgusted when she discovered what had become of her poor little pet, but found when she mentioned the matter to other people that several of them declared that they would have thought it was a “venomous reptile.”

Including the two Channel Island species we have only 14 reptiles and batrachians in our islands, and only one of these, the viper or adder, can do us any harm. Even the viper is not so black as it is painted; it will leave us alone if we leave it alone. Amongst all the thousands of different kinds of lizards which occur in every continent there are only two species – both inhabitants of Mexico and Arizona – which are poisonous.