506 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol. xxxv. 



bellv in life was near salmon color, but in alcohol has faded to green- 

 ish yellow. A dark line runs along the ventral plates at the edge of 

 the belly. This is followed by a pale stripe. The first row of scales 

 form the second dark line, while the second, and most of the third 

 rows are pale; fourth, fifth, and sixth rows are dark, while a light 

 stripe nearly three scales wide forms the mid-dorsal line. The other 

 specimen taken is intermediate in the distinctness of the markings. 



Length of the last-mentioned specimen, 170 mm. Scale rows, 15; 

 yentrals, 127; subcaudals, 48 pairs. 



NATRIX SIPEDON (Linnaeus). 

 WATER SNAKE. 



Common about the ponds. One was found some distance within 

 a cave. 



THAMNOPHIS SIRTALIS (Linnaeus). 

 GARTER SNAKE. 



Only a few seen. 



LAMPROPELTIS DOLIATUS TRIANGULUS (Boie). 

 MILK SNAKE; HOUSE SNAKE. 



Not uncommon. Elsewhere I have generally seen this species in 

 the vicinity of buildings, but here it was numerous in the woods. 

 I have always found this to be an evil-tempered snake. When dis- 

 turbed it neither attempts to escape or to coil, but raises the anterior 

 half or more of the body clear of the ground, forming an irregular 

 S, and it may remain on guard in this attitude for some time. 



Scale rows, 19; ventrals, 108; subcaudals, 4C>. Loral present. 

 Length, 785 mm. A dorsal series of 42 spots of bright, reddish- 

 brown, surrounded by a distinct ring of black, one scale wide. The 

 alternating spots sometimes confluent with dorsal series. Ventrals 

 irregularly 'blotched with rectangular spots of black. 



AGKISTRODON CONTORTRIX (Linnaeus). 

 COPPERHEAD. 



Not rare. Two were seen during the summer of 1007 and several 

 had been taken the previous year. Like the blue racer, it produces a 

 rattling noise when the rapidly vibrating tail comes in contact with 

 a dry leaf. It is probably less dangerous than most people suppose, 

 because it is often very sluggish and does not strike till thoroughly 

 aroused. No doubt there are great individual differences in this 

 regard. 



Scale rows, 23; ventrals. L56; subcaudals. :>0; 20 " saddles " of dark 

 color extending entirely across the back, with a single exception; the 

 pale area- between, with a pair of dark spots. Length, 710 mm. 



