COLUBER CONSTRICTOR. 57 



The nostrils are lateral, very large, near the snout, and open outwards and a 

 httle backwards. The eyes are large and bright; the pupil black, and the iris of 

 the darkest grey. The neck is contracted. 



The body is very long, slender, and covered with large, smooth, hexagonal 

 scales above, and with broad plates below. The tail is also long and slender, 

 and at times may be used as a prehensile instrument. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of the Coluber constrictor is of beautiful 

 bluish-black; the abdomen and tail are bluish-slate; while the chin and throat are 

 pure silver-white, sometimes marked with a few black spots. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 1 inch 8 lines; length of body, 47 inches; length 

 of tail, 16 inches: total length, 5 feet 3 inches 8 lines. In the specimen above 

 described there were 176 broad abdominal plates, with a double one before the 

 vent, and 94 bifid plates under the tail. Black Snakes are said at times far to 

 exceed these dimensions; the longest I have ever seen was 6 feet 1 inch. 



Habits. The Coluber constrictor is an extremely active snake, climbing Avith 

 facility, and running with great rapidity; whence it is not uncommonly called the 

 "Racer." The Black Snake frequents shady places, covered with thick shrubs, 

 on the margins of streams or ponds of water; though it often leaves these coverts 

 and seeks the borders of old fields, or rocks, or even the way-side, to bask in 

 the sun. 



It feeds on mice, toads, &c., or on small birds; and, as it is an excellent 

 climber, is frequently seen on trees in search of their nests. It is a bold and 

 daring serpent, enters barns and out-houses without fear, and has been known to 

 destroy young chickens. It is said to suffocate its prey, like the Boa constrictor, 

 in its folds, which is at least doubtful; I have often seen it take its prey both in 

 the native state and in confinement, which it always did by seizing it with the 

 mouth. 



Vol. III.— 8 



