COLUBERCONSTRICTOR. 77 



Habits. The Coluber constrictor is an extremely active snake, climbing with 

 facility, and running with great rapidity; wiience it is not uncommonly called the 

 "Racer." The Black Snake frequents shady places, covered Avith thick shrubs, 

 on the margins of streams or ponds of water; though it often leaves these 

 coverts and seeks the borders of old fields, or rocks, or even the way-side, to 

 bask in the sun. It feeds on mice, toads, &:c., or on small birds; and, as it is an 

 excellent climber, is frequently seen on trees in search of their nests. It is a 

 bold and daring serpent, enters barns and out-houses without fear, and has been 

 known to destroy young chickens. It is said to suffocate its prey, like the Boa 

 constrictor, in its folds, which is at least doubtful; as I have often seen it take its 

 prey both in the native state and in confinement, which it always did by seizing 

 it with the mouth. In the breeding season it is extremely irascible, and will 

 frequently attack persons passing at a distance of several steps; its tail then 

 quivers with rage, making a quick vibratory motion, which in forests and among 

 dry leaves sounds not unlike the Rattlesnake; it now elevates the head one 

 or two feet from the ground, and darts upon its adversary; luckily its bite is 

 harmless, and not more painful than the scratch of a pin. It will even descend 

 from trees to attack its enemy if teazed: as Dr. Geddings and myself have 

 more than once experienced when in search of reptiles; yet I have never seen it 

 endeavour to twine itself around the legs, as is commonly supposed. Even in 

 confinement it carries with it the same irascible temper, is easily provoked, 

 quarrels with its fellow prisoners, and bites at whatever may be offered it. 



The same power of charming its prey has been attributed to the Black as to the 

 Rattlesnake, and with less appearance of reason; for this is a nimble animal, and 

 can pursue his prey, while the Rattlesnake must lie in wait. It is remarkable that 

 the birds most commonly found "charmed," according to Dr. Barton,* are the 

 Cat Bird (Turdus carolinensis), or Red Winged Black Bird (Icterus phoeniceus). 

 These birds choose thick and shady places on the margins of streams for their 

 residence, and generally build their nests on shrubs, as the alder, &c.; the latter 



* Trans. Anier. Phil. Soc, vol. iv. p. 103. 



