564 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol. xxxv. 



stripe, one entire scale and two half scales in width, down the middle 

 of the back. On each side of this median stripe a somewhat irregular 

 row of small black dots on the seventh row of scales, which is also 

 darker than the other rows; another line of more scattered dots about 

 the fifth" row. Head with a number of very small dark blotches, 

 larger and less clearly defined than those of the lateral rows. Below, 

 sulphur yellow with a decided greenish reflection. Where the color 

 of the sides and underparts meet there is a tinge of rosy. A bad 

 odor, not unlike that of Diadophis punctata*, is very noticeable. 



Scale rows, IT; ventral plates, 125; subcaudals, 34. Length, 264 

 mm. ; tail, 38 mm. 



DIADOPHIS PUNCTATUS (Linnaeus). 

 RING-NECK SNAKE. 



This species appears to be abundant here. It is generally found 

 on the hillsides which are covered with loose rocks. It was first seen 

 on March 31 near the Twin Cave and later was noted on all of the 

 rocky hills in the vicinity. When captured it makes no attempt to 

 bite, but the odor which it emits is very disagreeable, though not 

 penetrating. It is sluggish and is said to be chiefly nocturnal in 

 habit, but I have seen it moving about in the daytime. 



Scales in 15 rows ; ventrals, 14G to 148 ; subcaudals, 54 to 56. Color, 

 glossy blue-black above, reddish orange below ; ring of neck, lemon 

 color, two scales in width. Length, 265 mm. 



HETERODON PLATIRHINOS Latreille. 

 HOG-NOSE SNAKE; SPREADING ADDER. 



Not uncommon. Also first seen March 31. None that I saw were 

 of the very dark or very red colors sometimes seen in this species. 

 This snake is much feared by most people, but is entirely harmless. I 

 have thrust my finger against its nose and even into its mouth with- 

 out being bitten. Apparently the instinct to frighten has been 

 developed to such a degree that the habit of active defense has been 

 lost. 



I have seen a female of this species buried in the soft earth of a 

 cornfield, apparently guarding her eggs, among which she was coiled. 



PHYLLOPHILOPHIS .ffiSTIVUS (Linnaeus). 

 ROUGH GREEN SNAKE. 



Not uncomon. One was rescued from a blue racer not much longer 

 than its captive. The latter made haste to get away and did not ap- 

 pear to be injured, although its head and about one-fourth of the 

 body had been swallowed. 



Scale rows, 17 ; ventrals, 163 ; subcaudals, 127. Length, 875 mm. 



