114 COLUBER A MjENUS. 



small smooth hexagonal scales above, and with plates below. The tail is short, 

 thick, conical, and ends in a horny point. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of the animal, head, body and tail is of 

 uniform very light chestnut-brown, opalescent in certain lights; the abdomen is 

 bright salmon colour. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 5 lines; length of body to vent, 8 inches; length 

 of tail beyond vent, 2 inches; total length, 10 inches 5 lines. In the specimen 

 here described there were 120 abdominal plates, the anal broad and double, and 

 35 subcaudal scales. 



Habits. This serpent is mostly found under the bark of old trees or under 

 rocks, where small insects abound, on which it feeds. 



Geographical Distribution. The Coluber amsenus is found in all the Atlantic 

 states, from New Hampshire to Florida, inclusive; thence it extends through 

 Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, from which state I have also received 

 specimens. 



General Remarks. Say was the first naturalist that observed this animal and 

 described it as a distinct species, under the name amaenus, which has here been 

 retained. 



