PREFACE. 



This Bulletin is issued as a Pi-eliminary Report upou the Snakes 

 of Pennsylvania, with special reference to their Food and Eco- 

 nomic Features. It is designed more as a popular treatise upon 

 this subject than as a deep scientific production. Owing to the 

 fact that we could obtain but a few specimens of many of the 

 species of serpents here discussed, and in many cases their stomachs 

 were entirely empty, it is impossible to issue at this time a Report 

 sufficiently full to be called Complete or Final. We are therefore 

 continuing our investigations Avith all possible care, and as soon 

 as we have sufficient material to justify it, we intend to publish a 

 Second Report, w'hich will contain many scientific features not given 

 in this Preliminary Report. For example, there has been much 

 confusion with the various scientific names for the same species of 

 reptile, and to avoid this our Second Report will contain a full list 

 of synonyms or different scientific names used, as well as biblio- 

 graphy or reference to the literature upon tln^ various species dis- 

 cussed. It will also contain full scientific and popular descriptions 

 of the different species of serpents found in this State, with illus- 

 trations of each, and detailed discussions of the variations actually 

 found in a study of the ditferent specimens from the different parts 

 of the State, in comparison wdth typical specimens and descriptions. 

 This local variation is of considerable interest to the student of 

 species, and will be of great value to scientists as well as to others. 

 It could not be put into this Preliminary Report, because we did 

 not have enough specimens to justify drawing final deductions. 



The Second Report will also contain as much as can be obtained 

 from various observers and correspondents upon the haunts and 

 habits of reptiles of this State, and will especially contain larger 

 tables and charts concerning th( ir food and breeding habits. More 

 material is needed to advance these studies. We desire notes or 

 written reports of observations, as well as specimens. 



A copy of the Preliminary Report has been promised and is here- 

 with sent to each person who has prior to its j)ublication, sent us 

 one or more specimens or serpents, turtles, lizards, frogs, toads or 

 salamanders. It is hoped that all our obligations are herewith met 

 in full. Persons desiring a copy of the Complete Report are re- 

 quested to send us more specimens to aid in its completion. These 



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