The Rattlesnakes 



These it takes with a lightning-like dart, imbedding the fangs 

 deeply and holding the prey until it is dead, when it is swallowed. 

 Frogs that have been bitten and escaped from the snake die within 

 five minutes or so from the effects of the venom which appears 

 to quickly paralyse them. This rattlesnake will also eat small 

 rodents and very young birds. 



The species produces a small number of living young. Seven 

 young were born from one specimen in the writer's collection and 

 nine from another. 1 hcse young snakes had a very minute 

 "button" to represent the future rattle. 



THE MASSASAUGA 

 Sistrurus caienatus, (Rafinesque) 



A considerably larger and proportionately stouter snake than 

 the preceding. The tail is much shorter and the rattle more 

 developed. 



Colouration. — ^The most common ground-colour is grayish- 

 brown. There is a series of large, rich brown blotches on the 

 back, these faintly bordered with white. On each side of the 

 body are three series of smaller blotches, the lower extending 

 over the edges of the abdominal plates. The tail is ringed (above) 

 with dark brown, alternating with the body colour. 



The head markings are well illustrated in the photograph 

 and the separate figures of the head from the top and side. Be- 

 neath, the colour is dull gray marbled with black, or entirely 

 black. The throat is paler. 



Variation. — Various phases of the ground-colour are to be 

 found. Some specimens are very dark brown, with an obscure 

 pattern. Occasional black specimens are found with the pattern 

 barely discernible. One constant and distinct variety occurs; 

 it is separately described. 



Dimensions. — The following measurements appeal to an 

 adult, female specimen: 



Total Length 26 inches. 



Length of Tail, not including rattle 2\ 



Greatest Diameter \\ 



Width of Head J " 



Length of Head ly^^ " 



This specimen had a rattle consisting of five rings, of 

 uniform size. 



436 



