The Bull Snakes 



Variation. — The species is subject to but slight variation of 

 colour. Many specimens, however, show narrow, brick-red borders 

 on the scales composing the blotches, while the skin between 

 the scales is of the same colour. The young are much like the 

 parent. A variety, or sub-species, has been recognised. Its 

 description follows that of the typical form. 



Dimensions. — Attaining a length of nine feet and a circum- 

 ference of six inches, this serpent represents the largest species 

 of North American snake. Following are the dimensions of a 

 moderate-sized adult: 



Total Length 57J inches 



Length of Tail yf " 



Diameter of Body i J 



Width of Head i 



Length of Head if 



Dislribiition. — Widely distributed, the Bull Snake ranges 

 from southwestern Canada southward into Mexico. It occurs 

 as far eastward as the prairie portions of Illinois and is partic- 

 ularly abundant in Texas. It takes the place in the Central 

 and Western States of the Eastern representative of the genus 

 P. melanoleucus, and in the extreme West gives way to another 

 species, P. catenifer. The range in the United States may be 

 concisely defined as the area between the Mississippi River and 

 the Rocky Mountains. 



Habits. — ^This big, yellow serpent is a familiar reptile among 

 showmen. Owing to the large size and striking colours, large 

 numbers are shipped every spring to the Eastern cities, where 

 they are sold to figure in sensational exhibitions. The majority 

 of such specimens come from Texas. 



The species is fairly hardy as a captive, feeding upon rats, 

 rabbits and birds. 1 1 is particularly fond of eggs,and consumes them 

 entire, breaking the shell in the throat by a contraction of the 

 muscles. The writer witnessed an illustration of the voracity 

 of one of these creatures. It swallowed fourteen hen's eggs, 

 breaking the shell of each after the egg had passed about a foot 

 down the throat. The demonstration closed by the supply of 

 eggs becoming exhausted and not from any indifference on the 

 reptile's part. 



The Bull Snake is oviparous and its eggs rival those of a 



319 



