MePPiLeS OF THE VICINITY OF NEW VORK CITY 99 
Although this species is generally distributed, it is not of 
common occurrence. From a habit of sometimes frequenting 
the neighborhood of stables and dairies, it has acquired the 
reputation of obtaining milk from the cows. This is an illogical 
FIG. 5. MILK SNAKE; WITH EGGS 
theory, and proof of the actual deed from reputable observers 
is wanting. In captivity this serpent is wholly indifferent to 
milk, but will eat mice, young birds and small snakes other than 
its own species. It is a constrictor and closely related to the 
King Snake of the southern states. The Milk Snake is ovipa- 
rous, laying eggs to the number of two dozen or more. 
Range: The central and eastern United States; Canada. 
Local distribution: General; frequents woods. 
The Ring-Necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus (Fig. 6), is 
the most easily distinguished of the various local snakes. The 
scales of this little reptile are smooth and shining, 
Rine- 
while the body is a uniform dark gray or bluish black, Nocked 
with a brilliant yellow ring around the neck imme- Snake. 
diately behind the head. Beneath, the color is orange yellow; 
a single row of black spots is generally present. The length 
seldom exceeds fifteen inches. 
These little snakes may be occasionally found in damp 
woods, under stones or burrowing under the bark of decay- 
ing trees. The species is quite rare within the limits under 
