88 
mere scratch compared to a wound inflicted by 
the bite of a water adder. I have repeatedly 
allowed my black snake pets to bite me after 
severely teasing them, and I have thus learned 
by experience that the slight wounds they can 
inflict, even during a furious attack, amounts to 
less than a severe pin scratch, and they are truly 
less painful than a pin scratch generally proves 
to be. Of course the wound inflicted by the 
needle-like teeth of an enraged black snake will 
naturally enough draw blood, but it is really 
unworthy of notice, as the black snake is a pos- 
itively harmless snake. 
Although this species possesses a power to 
squeeze to a very perceptible degree, yet it is 
not sufficiently strong to do any injury to a 
human being or other large enemy in the exer- 
cise of its powers of constriction. 
The black snake when not abused proves to 
be a very tractable pet, and when handled 
gently makes no attempt to bite; but when 
abused it is quick to resent injury. It delights 
to bask in the sun’s warm rays. Frequently 
during my early Spring rambles I have met 
several individuals, generally in pairs, grace- 
fully coiled on a grassy spot enjoying the solar 
warmth. 
The black snakes, after mating, are generally 
found in pairs, and there seems to exist quite 
an attachment between mates of this interesting 
species.” 
