94 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
evinces an unmistakable characteristic of warning. There are 
but few records of the bites of venomous snakes in this portion 
of the United States. 
SNAKES. 
Order Ophidia. 
The snakes are well represented in the Atlantic states, four- 
teen species being distributed through sections of the region 
surrounding New York City. Some of these reptiles attain fair 
dimensions, and several of the species are brilliantly colored. 
Two are venomous and of sufficient size to be formidable to 
man. These dangerous snakes, the Rattlesnake and the Copper- 
head Snake, may be recognized by their triangular heads which 
are quite distinct from the neck. The blunt tail of the Rattle- 
snake, terminating in its warning appendage, is a character 
hardly possible to be overlooked by the most indifferent observer. 
The Copperhead Snake is so strongly marked that identification 
is but the question of a moment’s intelligent examination after 
an idea of the color pattern has been acquired. 
Several of our harmless snakes have been provided with 
eccentric and misleading titles. To those unacquainted with 
reptiles, such species as the “‘ Flat-headed Adder,”’ the “‘ Spotted 
Adder,” the ‘“‘ Water Moccasin ’”’ and others of equally formidable 
appellation might be regarded as reptiles not entirely devoid 
of harm. Many of our harmless snakes which are of substantial 
economic importance in the destruction of the smaller injurious 
mammals possess the most evil reputation, although they really 
aid the agriculturist. The slaughter of these useful reptiles by 
the misinformed is a genuine calamity. 
In the key to the identification of the local snakes, the at- 
tention of the student is especially directed to color and the 
formation of scales. Snakes are either provided with smooth or 
keeled scales, the latter having a distinct ridge, or keel, running 
lengthwise. The Garter Snake and the Water Snake are ex- 
amples of snakes possessing keeled scales. This simple plan 
makes identification easy, and excludes the usual technical 
reference to the complicated arrangement of the scales or shields 
of the head, which requires technical knowledge for satisfactory 
