BRANSON : SNAKES OF KANSAS. 421 



Color above light chestnut brown, mottled with very fine dark 

 points. A series of dark brown markings above covering as 

 much space as the ground color, from twelve to eighteen from 

 head to anus, three on tail. Color beneath yellowish, with 

 series of black blotches alternating with and opposite the brown 

 markings of the dorsal surface. Head brown. Each parietal 

 with a small brown spot. Labials light. A black thread-like 

 band extends from the orbit around the angle of the mouth and 

 reaches the third infralabial. Length two to three feet. 



The following are the scutellation, formula and dimensions 

 of five specimens in the University museum : 



This snake is rare in the eastern part of the state and is not 

 found in the western part. It lives in low ground, preferring 

 timbered regions. It is more vicious than the Rattlesnake. It 

 strikes without warning and seems to be always on the lookout 

 for something upon which to use its fangs. It is less dangerous 

 than the Rattlesnake, according to Doctor Mitchell, because its 

 poison is less virulent. Doctor Yarrow ( 13. 422-435 ) states that 

 of many cases recorded in medical journals he had found only 

 one fatal case, the victim being a boy of six; however, some of 

 the cases were very severe. 



I have examined specimens from Douglas, Wabaunsee, Riley 

 and Franklin counties. It has been reported from Neosho, 

 Jefferson, Miami, Montgomery and Marshall counties. Since 

 writing the above I have examined one specimen from Rooks 

 county. This is the most westerly locality from which it has 

 been reported. 



SISTRURUS Gabman. 



Crotalus Linnaeus, part, Syst. Nat., 12th ed., 1776, p. 372. 



Caudlsona Fitzinger, New Class. Rept., 1826, p. 63. 



Sistrurus Garman, N. Amer. Rept., 1883, p. 110. 



Nine symmetrical head plates. Tail with rattle at extremity. 

 A pair of large erectile fangs in front of maxillee. Loreal pit 

 present. Scales keeled, from twenty-one to twenty-five rows. 



