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distinct spots above the lateral stripes ; and the 
obscura which is dusky gray or brown in color, 
with a faint dorsal stripe, while the lateral 
stripes merge into the color of the under parts. 
This is the least attractive of the garter snakes. 
The common garter snake is active in its 
habits, rather irritable in temper, readily de- 
fending itself against attack, yet in confinement 
I have found it to be an interesting and tracta- 
ble pet. 
The ribbon snake, or swift garter snake is a 
really pretty and exceedingly graceful little 
creature. It is slender in form, and grows to a 
length of about three feet. The tail is about 
one-third the full length of the body and grace- 
fully tapers to a fine point. The general color 
of this species (EKutania-saurita) is bright chest- 
nut brown above, greenish below, with bright 
yellowish stripes. Below the lateral stripes the 
color is a clear light brown. No spots. 
This snake is exceedingly swift in its move- 
ments. Frequently when I have attempted to 
catch a specimen in its natural wilds, so quick 
has been its movements to elude capture as to 
‘really appear as if it literally sprang clear of the 
ground. It seldom attempts to bite and makes 
a pleasing pet. 
The garter snakes are ustally found in the 
vicinity of streams, where frogs and toads 
abound. Their food consists of frogs and toads 
mainly, yet I have witnessed my pets greedily 
seize and devour earth worms and also small 
fish. 
