The Racers 



Disiribuiion. — The typical Blacksnake is found in eastern 

 North America, from southern Canada, southward throughout 

 Florida and westward to the prairie regions (not inclusive) 

 of the United States. It is a generally abundant reptile. West- 

 ward of the Mississippi the typical form is replaced by a distinct 

 colour variety — the "Blue" Racer. 



Habits of the Blacksnake 



The Blacksnake is a much overrated reptile — the alleged 

 sworn enemy of the rattlesnake, all-around boss among serpents 

 generally, and a demon in temper. This species is generally 

 described as going considerably out of its way to pick fights 

 with mankind and displaying sufficient strength during these 

 combats to squeeze an arm or limb into a condition approaching 

 insensibility. Besides possessing these formidable habits, the 

 Blacksnake is also described as exhibiting the power of fascinating 

 birds and squirrels — drawing these weak creatures by hypnotic 

 power to within reach of its jaws, when they are enveloped in 

 a crushing embrace. 



All this, unfortunately for the writer of romantic snake 

 stories, must be exploded. The Blacksnake has no interest 

 in the rattlesnake or any snake of his size. His only interest 

 in snakes inclines toward individuals much smaller than him- 

 self: for his appetite is frequently of a cannibalistic nature. 

 As for going out of his way in a demonstration appealing to man- 

 kind, it must be explained that part of the statement is true. 

 The snake goes considerably out of his way and usually with 

 a dash like an arrow — but the purpose of such quick movements 

 is to place as much distance between the snake and member of 

 the human race as possible. The Blacksnake is no coward if 

 cornered, and fight be necessary, but few snakes will "pick up 

 and git" with the alacrity and speed of this terrestrial rocket, 

 if escape be possible. Concerning the snake's powers of hyp- 

 notism or "charming" suffice it to say that there are none. 

 And last, but by no means of least importance, is the fact that 

 the Blacksnake, in spite of all the stories of its strength, is not 

 a constrictor and has no power to squeeze its prey to death. It 

 feeds upon prey quite small in proportion to the reptile's size, 

 and swallows the quarry while it is struggling. If the animal 

 be very vigorous, the snake presses it firmly to the ground under 



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