62 



COLUBER OBSOLETUS. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 1 inch 6 hnes; length of body to vent, 4 feet; 

 length of tail, 10 inches 2 lines: total length, 4 feet 11 inches 2 lines. There are 

 228 abdominal plates and 84 sub-caudal bifid plates. 



Habits. I know nothing of the habits of the Coluber obsoletus. 



Geographical Distribution. This serpent is common on the borders of the 

 Missouri river from the vicinity of "Isle au Vache" to Council Bluff. 



General Remarks. The Coluber obsoletus was first described by Say, and 

 though it bears a strong resemblance to the Coluber constrictor, yet it may be 

 distinguished from it by the difference in the number of the abdominal plates and 

 sub-caudal scales; by the scales of the back being smaller, by their being 

 bipmictured at the tip, and by the red marks on the body. 



I have never seen but a dried specimen of this animal, brought from near the 

 Rocky Mountains. Yet Mr. Peale, the naturahst, who accompanied Say, and 

 saw the animal in life, informs me that the colours of the above plate are correct. 



