104 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
The general color above is black, the scales of the sides show- 
ing white edges when the body is distended. Beneath, the color 
is white, blotched with gray on the forward portion; posteriorly 
the gray becomes suffused over the entire surface; the chin and 
throat are white and immaculate. Close examination will reveal 
the scales of the back to be faintly keeled, which characteristic 
at once separates the species from the Black Snake. The head 
is broad and rather flat; the under surface of the body is so 
abruptly flattened as to form right angles with the sides. 
This species is built rather for climbing than for speed, and 
generally frequents low bushes, where it lies in wait for birds 
and small mammals. The species attains a length of more than 
six feet. It is oviparous. 
Range: Eastern United States from Maine to Florida; the 
Central States; in the South the species extends westward to 
Texas: 
Local distribution: Highlands of the Hudson; not common. 
The Hog-nosed Snake, Heterodon platyrhinus (Figs. 10 and 
11), may be recognized by its sharp, upturned snout, which 
eerie shovel-like appendage 1S employed to assist the reptile 
Sania’ in burrowing in the sandy soil in which it lives. The 
markings of this peculiar snake are extremely variable, 
but the color is generally yellowish brown, with dark brown or 
black irregular cross-bands. Some specimens show brilliant 
shades of yellow and red; others are entirely black. The latter 
constitute the variety niger. 
The species is stout in body, and the scales are keeled. When 
annoyed, it assumes a threatening attitude by flattening the 
head and neck and hissing loudly. In spite of its hostile de- 
meanor, it seldom attempts to bite, but contents itself by en- 
deavoring to frighten the object of 1ts annoyance by its eccentric 
antics. In different localities the species has been given ap- 
pellations that have placed this harmless reptile in bad repute. 
Such names as ‘‘Flat-headed Adder,” ‘“‘ Blowing Viper”’ and 
“Spreading Adder’”’ are energetically used by the farmer who 
usually refuses to be convinced that this snake is not akin in 
poisonous faculties to the Copperhead, to which it bears some 
resemblance in proportions and markings. 
