spend much of its time in hiding, for it cannot rely upon agility 

 to escape its enemies. 



Breeding Habits. Like its relatives, this species breeds immed- 

 iately after hibernation. The female gives birth to her twelve to 

 fifteen young three and one half to five months later. A female 

 has been seen eating earthworms between the births of her young. 



Food. A young specimen will eat earthworms, leeches, or small 

 minnows if they are placed in a pan of shallow water. When larger 

 it will eat living frogs. It is so fond of fish that it will eat it avidly 

 whether dead or alive. 



The sluggishness and clumsiness of this species perhaps make it 

 a more suitable one to keep captive. Its readiness to eat and to take 

 dead fish and bits of fish is certainly a recommendation for it in 

 captivity. 



The aquarium should be supplied with an island, preferably 

 mossy, and containing a few flat stones. A snake will retreat under 

 the moss or stones when it finishes eating. It should come out in 

 the open to eat after only a few days of captivity. 



The small size and attractive colors of this aquatic snake are 

 further recommendation. 



[84} 



