HOC-NOSED SNAKE; SPREADING ADDER. 

 Heterodon conloTtrix is one of the most inter- 

 esting North American members of the Serpentes. 

 It receives one of its common names from its re- 

 curved rostral plate. The others hdive arisen from 

 its peculiar method of defense. When frightened, 

 the Hognosed snake, if unable to escape from the 

 object of its fright, attempts to intimidate its enemy. 

 Taking a deep breath, which causes its short, stout 

 body to greatly increase in size, it spreads the an- 

 terior ribs laterally, thus flattening the head and 

 neck until the width of the latter is trebled. The 

 snake nov/ presents a picture of ferocity equal to 

 that presented by the deadly Cobrr; an angry rat- 

 tlesnake would appear quite harmless as compared 

 to it if seen by an observer unacquainted v/ith Her- 

 petology. It then expells its breath v/ith a loud 

 and prolonged hiss, and may fellow this by striking 

 repeatedly at the object which has excited it. Yet 

 all this demonstration is a pure bluff. The Hog- 

 nosed snake is a mild and inoffensive reptile and 

 refuses to bite when given the opportunity. If the 

 observer is not intimidated by its ferocious actions, 

 the animal brings further defensive resources into 

 play. It suddenly throws itself into contortions; 

 these gradually become quieter, diminishing to a 

 spasmodic wriggling of the the tail and finally 

 ceasing entirely. The snake turns on its back, lies 

 limp, and is, to all appearances, dead. It is very 

 persistent in feigning death; even if handled, it re- 

 mains limp and relaxed; yet it will always betrays 



