90 COLUBER QUADRIVITTATUS. 
Corovur. In its colours, however, this snake differs widely from the Coluber 
Alleghaniensis, and the pattern is invariable so far as my observation extends. 
The whole superior surface in the young animal is of a greenish clay-colour, 
marked with four longitudinal dark brown stripes, the two superior ones reaching 
from the occiput to the extremity of the tail. In old individuals, the general 
colour is brown, and the dark longitudinal bands are less obvious. The inferior 
surface is yellowish throughout, sometimes a little clouded towards the sides. 
The scales of the back and sides are frequently sprinkled with minute blackish 
dots, and many have marginal dashes of white, which become visible when the 
skin is extended, and give the animal a reticulated appearance. ‘The skin 
between the scales is blackish. 
Dimensions. Length of head, 14 lines; length of body, 3 feet 6 inches; of tail, 
10 inches: total length, 4 feet 5 inches. In the above specimen there were 
233 abdominal plates, and 90 sub-caudal scutella. It grows, however, to the 
length of six or seven feet. 
GeocrapnicaL Distrisution. It is found from North Carolina to Florida, and 
westward as far as the Mississippi; being entirely unknown in the northern and 
middle states. 
Hairs. This animal is by no means rare in South Carolina; frequenting the 
vicinity of houses, and sometimes making its way into the cabins of the negroes. 
It is, however, perfectly innoxious, though in bad repute with respect to young 
chickens. Bartram suggests that it might be rendered useful in destroying rats, 
as it is easily tamed and soon becomes familiar. 
Generar Remarks. This animal, though described by Bartram so long ago 
as 1791, has not since been noticed by any systematic writer. It is closely allied 
to the last animal in its general form, but its colour and markings, as well as its 
geographical distribution, are entirely different. 
