COLUBERGETULUS. 65 



like the back, but is more shining and with a strong tinge of violet. The tail 

 has but four or five transverse rings or white bars, and wants entirely the waving 

 lateral line. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 1 inch 2 lines; length of body, 36 inches; length 

 of tail, 5 inches. In the specimen here described there were 215 abdominal plates 

 and 39 subcaudal scales. It must be remarked, however, that the animal at times 

 far exceeds the dimensions above given. Dr. Binney saw one in Georgia nearly 

 five feet; and I have recently received one from North Carolina five feet one inch 

 in length. 



Habits. The Coluber getulus is found abundantly in moist and shady places, 

 though I am not aware that it ever takes to the water. It feeds on field-mice, 

 moles, small birds, or such reptiles as lizards, salamanders, toads, &c. that may 

 fall in its way. It is commonly believed that this serpent is the great enemy of 

 the Rattlesnake, though I believe there is no great evidence of the fact. My 

 friend Dr. Binney, however, informed me that he once captured a fine specimen in 

 Georgia, which he placed in a tin box with a full grown Crotalus miliarius: the 

 next day, on examining the box, it was discovered that the King Snake had de- 

 voured its fellow prisoner. 



Geographical Distribution. This serpent is common enough in the Carolinas, 

 where indeed it was first observed; thence its range extends as far north as New 

 York, and as far south as Florida, inclusive; how much further west it may exist, 

 I have no means at present of determining. Daudin says he is certain that 

 it inhabits Louisiana: the observations however of foreign naturalists on the 

 localities of our reptiles must be received with great caution, for they are led to 

 suppose the animals inhabit the neighbourhood of the ports from whence they are 

 shipped: thus we have it said that the "Anolius," the "Green Turtle," the "Igua- 

 na," &c. are natives of the more northern states; some of which are not even 

 found on the continent of North America. 

 Vol. IV.— 9 



