108 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
or greenish spots. The scales are strongly keeled. The species 
varies in color; specimens are occasionally found upon which 
the stripe on the back is indistinct or entirely wanting; others 
present a spotted appearance between the stripes. 
Abundant under various conditions of swamp, woods and 
rocky localities, the Garter Snake will continue to exist within 
our local borders long after many of tie other species of serpents 
have been exterminated by the ruthless slaughter that unjust 
prejudice inspires. The species is viviparous, bringing forth as 
many as thirty or more living young at a brood. The young 
reptiles feed upon earthworms and grow rapidly. While im- 
mature, these snakes are secretive, and the character of their 
food enables them to obtain a livelihood without prowling forth 
into danger. Far different is the case of the active young 
Blacksnake in seach of mice, as it crosses roads and clearings 
into the danger zone of stones and clubs. 
The adult Garter Snake feeds mostly upon frogs and toads; 
birds and small mammals are never devoured by this species. 
The length of a large specimen is about a yard. 
Range: North America, southward to Guatemala. 
Local distribution: General and common; is found in the 
large parks of New York City. 
Our common Water Snake, Natrix fasciata sipedon (Fig. 14), 
is a variety of a species abundant in the southern states. The 
Water body is rather stout, with strongly keeled scales; the 
Snake. color is brown with broad irregular cross-bands of 
reddish brown which show more distinctly on the sides. The 
underside is yellowish white, brightly marked with red spots 
and blotches. The young of this species are quite different. 
from the adult in coloration, the body color being gray with the 
cross-bands black and very distinct. The adult attains a length 
of four feet and a diameter of two inches. From two anda half 
to three feet long, however, is the usual size. 
Always frequenting the vicinity of water, this snake may be 
seen in numbers along slow-running streams, either sunning 
itself on the banks or stretched upon the branches of bushes 
that overhang the water. It feeds upon fishes, frogs and toads. 
The Water Snake is viviparous, bringing forth as many as forty 
