—= 
SNAKES. 217 
 3ft. long, the tail measuring nearly 8in. in length. The body 
and tail of the animal are moderately stout, the scales being ar- 
ranged in from nineteen to twenty-one rows. The ventral scales 
are in number from 137 to 176, the anal being entire. There 
are seven upper labial shields, the third and fourth entering the 
eye. There is one anterior ocular shield, and there are three, 
rarely four, posterior ones. Whatever may be the variety of this 
Snake, there are nearly always two light yellow spots on the 
suture between the occipital shields. 
The colouring of a typical specimen of the Garter Snake is, 
according to Mr. Boulenger, as follows: ‘‘Olive or green above, 
uniform or with black spots disposed quincuncially ; stripes 
absent, or very indistinct ; greenish white inferiorly, with a more 
or less distinct black spot at the outer end of the ventrals.” It is 
found in the United States, east of the Mississippi. 
The variety srtal’s, known as the Striped Snake (7. sirtalis), 
is coloured ‘‘ brownish olive with black spots, or black above with 
three yellow, red, or pale green stripes.” This specimen is a 
native of the eastern parts of the Rocky Mountains of North 
America, and also of North Mexico. 
In captivity the Garter Snake need not be supplied with artificial 
heat, and if in good condition in the autumn, owing to regular 
feeding, it will spend our winter months successfully in a state of 
hibernation. Directions for preparing Snakes for this natural 
sleep will be given in another place. 
While in confinement this Reptile may be fed upon ieee 
small fish, and newts. Sometimes it may be tempted to take 
other food, such as half-grown toads, baby mice and rats. It, 
however, prefers frogs to any other form of food. 
Occasionally a Garter Snake, which is easily tamed, may be 
bought in this country for so low a sum as 7s. 6d.; but generally 
the amateur is more likely to be asked as much as from £2 to £3 
for a healthy specimen. 
The Ringed or Common Snake (7ropidonotus natrix, Fig. 64) 
is one of the most beautiful ag well as one of the most plentiful 
of all European non-poisonous Snakes. It lives very well “im 
confinement, and with proper treatment soon becomes tame. 
The Grass Snake, as it is frequently called, very rarely bites 
| 
