LOCAL FAUNA 



Notes on the Collection of Living Snakes. — One of the most 

 popular exhibits during the past six years has been the collection 

 of living snakes, begun in the spring of 1908 with a number of 

 specimens presented by Mr. Henry P. Williams. It has not been 

 possible to provide for any special collecting for the maintenance 

 of this exhibit, but friends of the Museum have contributed spec- 

 imens from time to time until about half of the species of South 

 Carolina snakes have been shown to our visitors. As in many 

 other departments of the Museum a little systematic collecting 

 would produce large results. 



The common poisonous snakes of this state have usually been 

 well represented in the exhibit. These are the Diamond-backed 

 and Timber Rattlesnakes, the Copperhead, and the Water Moc- 

 casin. The Coral Snake has been shown occasionally, but does 

 not live in captivity. 



Among the non-venomous species the pretty little red Corn 

 Snake has probably been collected more frequently than any other 

 species, w^hile the Chicken Snake, Keel-scaled Green Snake, 

 Garter Snake, Ground Snake, Spreading Adder, King Snake, 

 Scarlet King Snake, Red-bellied Water Snake, Black Snake, and 

 Coachwhip are frequently to be found in the collection. 



The most popular member of our family is undoubtedly the 

 six-foot Pine Snake {Pituophis melanoleucus) familiarly known 

 throughout the city as "Molly". This handsome specimen is 

 the favorite of the members of the staff and of many of our visi- 

 tors. Her good temper is somewhat unusual among her kind 

 and she has kept in perfect condition during her long life in captiv- 

 ity. Molly celebrates this month the sixth anniversary of her 

 debut at the Museum.* 



' Since this account was written we regret to say that Molly has become seriously ill and 

 has been transferred to a special quarantine cage where she is receiving the best medical at- 

 tention. Every effort will be made to restore our favorite to her usual good health. Mem- 

 bers of the staff feel that Molly's place could never be filled, and a very real regret is ex- 

 pressed by many people in the city who have learned of her illness. 



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