78 
one shake not only swallowed the toad but as 
well the greater portion of its unfortunate rela- 
tive; then when I freed the imprisoned little 
snake it was soon eagerly in search of another 
toad. 
Garter snakes are partial to water. I noticed 
that they are graceful swimmers and pass much 
time in harmonious company with the water 
adders in the water-vessel placed in the box for 
my pets. They become quite tame in confine- 
ment and seldom attempt to bite.” 
THE WATER SNAKES, 
“We find but three species of the water 
snakes in the eastern part of our country. 
The common water snake or water adder isa 
stout, strong snake, which grows to four feet in 
length. This species—Tropidonotus sipedon— 
is the most savage of our common snakes. Al- 
though a really timid snake, escaping if op- 
portunity permits, yet when cornered it bites 
viciously. It is aquatic, and a rapid and grace- 
ful swimmer. Let me show you a fine specimen 
I lately secured, my dear Fritz. It is three and 
one-half feet in length, seven inches round, and 
it weighs two and three-quarter pounds. No 
doubt this fellow is many years of age. Seldom 
are they found as large as this one. 
The general color of the water adder is 
brownish or dusky above, with large, dark 
blotches, alternating with smaller, triangular, 
