The Rat Snakes or Colubers 



could not be trusted. A specimen 4 feet long deposited 10 eggs 

 on the 26th of June. The eggs were 2 inches long and J of an 

 inch in diameter. 



LINDHRIMER'S COLUBHR 

 Coluber obsolelus, variety lindheimeri, (B. & G.) 



Larger in size than the typical (preceding) form. Head 

 flat and square; the eyes large. 



Colouration. — The pattern is difficult to describe. It might 

 be explained as an extreme development of the tendency for the 

 scales to show pale edges — this being explained in connection 

 with the preceding serpent. There is a series of large, blue-black 

 blotches on the back and a smaller series on the sides; within 

 these blotches the skin between the scales is of much the same 

 hue as the blotches themselves. Between the blotches the greater 

 number of scales have bright yellow edges and blue-black centres; 

 mixed with these scales are others that have bright red edges; 

 the skin between the scales may be brick-red or yellowish. 



The upper surface of the head is black; the lip plates white. 



Dimensions. — Attains a length of eight feet. The general 

 conformation is similar to the typical form. 



Distribution. — Texas. 



Habits -When first captive these snakes are vicious, vibrat- 

 ing the tai: and striking with a sharp hiss. They soon become 

 moderately tame but can seldom he trusted as they are nervous 

 and resent undue familiarity. 



A large specimen in the writer's collection thrived for six 

 years' time, when it unfortunately escaped. This snake was 

 very fond of rats and would devour from four to six full-grown 

 individuals at a meal. It would also eat half-grown rabbits, 

 pigeons, young chickens and sparrows. In addition to this 

 varied fare, it exhibited — like all the colubers — a decided fondness 

 for eggs. Six or eight of these (hen's eggs) would be greedily 

 consumed, but, unlike the bull snakes (Pituophis), which crush 

 the shells in the throat and swallow the fragments, this serpent 

 usually swallowed the eggs entire. It showed a decided antipathy 

 to dampness and after the cage had been washed would glide 

 about uneasily until it was thoroughly dry — nor would the snake 

 eat, if the cage was the least bit damp. It was after the cage 



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