HETERODON PLATIRHINOS. 69 



Dimensions. Length of head, 18 Unes; breadth of head, when not disturbed, 

 1 inch; length of body, 27 inches; length of tail, 5 inches; circumference of body, 

 4^ inches. In the individual here described, there were one hundred and forty- 

 four abdominal plates entire, and two bifid plates near the vent, and forty-two 

 pair of sub-caudal bifid plates. 



Habits. The Heterodon platirhinos is a harmless snake, choosing moist places 

 and feeding on toads, small reptiles, and insects. Though a harmless, yet it is a 

 bold animal when disturbed; it coils itself after the manner of the Rattlesnake, 

 though not so closely, assumes a threatening attitude, by flattening the head and 

 three or four inches of the neck, which it lifts and waves with an undulating 

 motion, hissing loudly at the same time, and projects the head with a sudden 

 motion, as if to bite any object presented. 



It is remarkable, however, that I have never seen it bite or lay hold of any 

 object offered it, in the many times that I have tried the experiment. It may be 

 worried with the end of a walking-stick or cane, or pushed roughly from place to 

 place, yet cannot be provoked to open its mouth, though it often advances its 

 head with a threatening air towards the object of its annoyance. 



At times it exhibits the instinct of some insects, and remains perfectly quiet 

 and motionless, as if dead, to elude its tormentor; in this state it will remain 

 several minutes. The first time this phenomenon came under my observation, I 

 thought the animal had been unintentionally killed by rough handling; and it was 

 only after witnessing the same thing in many instances that I came to the con- 

 clusion that it was done at will. 



Geographical Distribution. The Heterodon platirhinos is found in all the 

 Atlantic states from New Hampshire to Florida. I have also received specimens 

 from Alabama and Louisiana, and it no doubt inhabits the western states 

 generally, as Dr. Pickering informs me that it has been observed as far west as 

 Engineer Cantonment on the Missouri. It is probable that the Heterodon 



