I ■,•}: — The Short-Mouthed Siud 87 



open to question. Though not aquatic, this species likes the 

 water and has heen found only in its immediate neighborhood. 

 Several specimens have been kept alive, under as natural condi- 

 tions a* ssible, and they show considerable readiness to take 

 to the water when alarmed, nor is there any evidence of burrow- 

 inor or of retreating to holes. Indeed the habits are verv much 

 like those of the common garter-snake, except that brachystoma 

 i> not at all pugnacious, making no attempt to strike when 

 seized or handled. 



