92 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [1890 



not infi'equently found under the straw-rick or manure-heap of 

 a barnyard, and they are sometimes found in the barn. 



I have never met with them in midwinter, but I imagine 

 they hibernate in numbers or singly in some protected locality. 



A gentleman told me he had killed thirty-seven Copperheads 

 while removing the manure from his barnyard in the spring of 

 the year; he found them all together, where they had evidently 

 remained during the winter. 



Form and structure. — Of eight specimens measured during 

 the past summer, the lengths were as follows : 25J, 30, 31, 

 32J, 33|, 37J, and 40 inches, which would make an average of 

 32f inches. The usual length, however, is less than 30 inches. 



The distance from vent to the tip of the tail measured from 

 3| to 5 inches. 



The greatest circumference of body proved to be from 3J to 

 5 inches. 



The proportions of the body are nearly stable, but some 

 specimens appear a little more slender than others. The young 

 individuals are less robust than the well grown. 



The bones of the jaws and mouth are connected by ligaments 

 which admit of great distention, and thus enable the reptile to 

 swallow prey of considerable size and much thicker than itself. 

 - The great mobility of these bones is also shown by the 

 manner in which the serpent spreads its head when alarmed or 

 about to strike. This increases the width of the head to almost 

 double the size assumed when at rest, while the neck at this time 

 is also much better defined. 



As a means of locomotion, the ribs, which are very numerous, 

 play an important part, being directed by the muscles to which 

 they are attached. Ordinarily, the head and neck are but 

 slightly raised while the snake is in motion, nor does the tail 

 appear necessary to its movements, since I have observed a 

 specimen to glide along with perfect ease after this appendage 

 had been lost. 



Being very sluggish in their movements, they do not show a 

 disposition to attack or even to defend themselves if approached 

 quietly, and they can even be taken up and handled without an 

 offer of resistance. If, however, there is any sudden movement 



