NERODIA. 39 



In youug individuals, and those generally in which the epidermis 

 has been removed, the normal type of coloration is seen to consist 

 of three series of nearly quadrate dark-brown spots, with still darker 

 border, one dorsal, and one on each side. These are so disposed that 

 the two corresponding lateral spots are opposite the interval between 

 the two dorsal, and thus appear to be connected by a light line. The 

 longitudinal diameter of the dorsal spots, amounting to 3 or 4 scales, 

 is the greater, just the reverse of what is the case with the lateral. 

 Of these lateral spots there are generally about 32 on each side from 

 the head to the anus, the spaces between them being equal to or less 

 than the spots, (not greater, as in JV. fasciata). 



While this pattern is generally quite distinguishable on the pos- 

 terior half of the body, anteriorly it becomes confused, the lateral 

 blotches standing opposite to the dorsal, and becoming confluent, so 

 that the back appears crossed by lozenge-shaped blotches extending 

 to the abdominal scutellae, and thus separated on the sides by triangu- 

 lar intervals of a lighter color. 



Occasionally the color appears to be a dull and rather light brown, 

 with the back crossed by narrow transverse lines, with dark (nearly 

 black, but still not distinct) margins. 



Small specimens from Framingham and Westport show a larger 

 amount of black on the sides and abdomen. 



2. ^'crodia fasciata, B. & G. — Head broader behind, and deeper 

 than in JV. .npedon ; hence a greater development of labials, temporals, lorals, 

 and nasals. Three and sometimes only two postorbitals. Vertical plato 



