112 SEVENTH REPORT. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The study of natural history as a part of a liberal education is be- 

 coming more and more desirable, and is leading to the preparation of 

 manuals and helps along almost every possible line of study. 



This report is taken from the author's manual of '"The Ophidia of the 

 United States," which was prepared not only for those who are now 

 interested in natural history, but with a hope that it may stimulate 

 others to the study of nature, wherever they come in contact with it. 



It is also hoped that this report may interest some, in this part of the 

 animal kingdom, and help to correct the common prejudice which exists 

 against these animals, so that the ruthless destruction of these much 

 abused and slandered creatures may soon cease. 



The author has carefully prepared an artificial key, founded upon the 

 most obvious characteristics, for the readv determination of anv snake in 

 the State. 



In making use of this ''report," the reader must remember: 



1. That the descriptions are those of types and that there are, as in 

 the vegetable kingdom, variations, intermediate and abnormal forms 

 which are more difficult to classify. 



2. That the color markings vary with the habitat, season of the year 

 and age of the specimen, usually being bri^ghter and more distinct after 

 shedding the skin and upon young specimens. 



3. That the colors are often greatly changed when placed in spirits; 

 thus orange, yellow and salmon become write or whitish ; pink and red 

 may become white or yellowish or the latter may become brownish; 

 green often becomes bluish, blue may become reddish; white, black, 

 brown and metalic tints remain unchanged for some time. 



Let all who read this remember that the Crotalidae are the only snakes 

 in the State that are venomous, and that all others are not only harmless 

 but do positive good by destroying noxious insects and other vermin. 

 They are the friends of the agriculturist and should be protected instead 

 of being destroyed. 



The author would recommend that those desiring to make collections 

 use the "F. N. N. Ophidia Tubes," with rubber stoppers. 



Alma, Mich., Feb. 15, 1905. 



