40 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



color beneath on the flanks, the colors unite in such a way as to leave a series of dark trian- 

 gular marks, giving it a serrated appearance ; these serratures are continued to the tip of the 

 tail, and become effaced towards the head. In adults, the abdomen for the most part imma- 

 culate ; in the young, a minute dark point on the middle of the edge of every abdominal 

 plate, as far as the vent. 



Abdominal plates, 145-155. Length 12-0-18-0. 



Caudal plates, 45- 55. Ditto of tail, 3'0- 4-0. 



This pretty little snake is found in every part of the State. It occurs under rocks and 

 stones, and is frequently seen under the bark of decayed trees. It is very common under the 

 bark coverings of the huts of the frontier settlers. Feeds upon worms, insects, grubs, etc., 

 and is perfectly inoffensive. Emits a strong and disagreeable odor. Occurs from Maine to 

 Louisiana. 



THE GRASS SNAKE. 



Coluber vernalis. 



PLATE XI. FIG. 22. 



Coluber vernalis, Dekay. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 124. 



C. id. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 224. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 3, p. 79, pi. 17. 



Green Snake. Kirtland, Zoology of Ohio, p. 188. 



Characteristics. Small. Green, with smooth scales. Length one to two feet. 



Description. Body slender, tapering regularly to the tip of the tail, and covered with smooth 

 rhomboidal scales. The tail is so much attenuated as to render it difficult to count the cau- 

 dal scales. Anal plate frequently bifid. Head small, flattened above, slightly larger than 

 the neck. Labial plates above, fifteen ; the rostral plate emarginate in front. Plates of the 

 head, 2.2.3.2. 



Color. Grass green above ; beneath white, tinged with yellow ; head dark olive-brown ; 

 upper labial plates and throat dull white. 



Abdominal plates, . . 125-135. Total length, .. . 12-0 - 26'0. 

 Caudal plates, 80- 90. Tail, 4"0- 6'5. 



This innocent and beautiful species, known in this State as the Green or Grass Snake, 

 has long been confounded with the estivus of the Southern States, from which it is readily 

 distinguished by its inferior length and carinate scales. It feeds on insects, and is exceed- 

 ingly lively and quick in its movements. It is very numerous in the marshes about Salina 

 and Cayuga ; and, as I have been informed by credible eye-witnesses, fights furiously with 

 the Striped Snake previously described. Its color changes upon immersion in alcohol, from 

 a brilliant green to a dull blue. I am inclined to suspect, that in this State, it has been 



