PSAMMOPHIS FLAGELLIFORMIS. 13 



sub-caudal scales. This is the measurement of the specimen from which the 

 accompanying plate was taken; it is said they sometimes reach the length of seven 

 feet. 



Habits. This beautiful animal is remarkable for the swiftness of its motions, 

 "seeming almost to fly over the surface of the ground."* It feeds on young birds, 

 but only destroys for food. It is inoffensive in its manners, but defends itself with 

 great dexterity when attacked, by twining its long body round the enemy. Bar- 

 tram gives the following account of it: — "I observed a large hawk on the ground 

 in the middle of the road; when coming up near him, I found him bomid up by a 

 very long Coach-whip Snake, that had wreathed itself several times round the 

 hawk's body, who had but one of his wings at liberty. Beholding their struggles 

 awhile, I alighted off my horse with the intention of parting them; when, on 

 coming up, they mutually agreed to separate, each seeking his own safety, 

 probably considering me as their common enemy." 



Geographical Distribution. The Coach-whip Snake is found in South Carolina, 

 Georgia, and Florida, but is rare. During a seven years' search I have never 

 seen but one living specimen, which was sent me by Dr. Hay, of Barnwell district, 

 South Carolina. 



General Remarks. Of all the species found east of the Mississippi, the Black 

 Snake (Coluber constrictor) is the only one hitherto known that can be compared 

 with the Coach-whip, in the scales, the disposition of the plates on the head, and 

 in its general form. 



There is great confusion in the works of European naturalists with regard to 

 this snake. Catesby first made it known under the name "Coach-whip Snake," 

 and gave an excellent figure of it — one of the best in his work; yet it has been 



* Bartram, Travels in Carolina, &c., p. 219. 



