AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. 169 
first 5 inferior labials, some spots along inferior portion of upper 
labials, most of rostral below, and some spots on first few gas- 
trosteges, pale creamy-brown. Iris dull slaty. Length 55 inches. 
Near Blairstown in Warren County. October, 1895. 5S. N. 
Rhoads. Also another example, smaller, with same data. 
Of frequent occurrence, to the great disturbance of nesting 
birds. Easily distinguished from any of our snakes by its shining 
black color as it lies about bushes more or less concealed, or darts 
actively through the grass for the deceit of most imaginations 
that it is very much longer than in reality. It is said to attack 
man, and though sometimes it will bite, like the water snake this 
is little more than a scratch. It will, however, retreat should the 
pursued turn back. It may be easily tamed, and will submit to 
captivity. It feeds largely on small mammals, such as mice, 
shrews, etc. The constricting power according to Cope is also 
not serious, except possibly to a child. Others claim that it is in 
no sense a constrictor, taking its prey differently. Dr. Abbott 
says it was formerly abundant about Trenton at times, but has 
disappeared before the destructive mowing-machines. By most 
persons it is not regarded as venomous. About Dennisville, in 
Cape May County, this snake is said to occur. Some persons claim 
they know 2 varieties, both of which seem to be this species. The 
most common form is said to have a white throat, is slender and 
will assume the defensive, while the other is said to be more 
chunky and entirely harmless. It was reported to occur about 
Stone Harbor and Wildwood, Cape May County, several years 
ago, though few, if any, seem to have been seen lately. All these 
accounts may in part be uncertain, as the pilot snake also occurs 
near there. 
Coluber constrictor Harlan, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., VI, 
pt. 2, 1827, p. 348.—Harlan, Med. Phys. Res., 1835, p. 112.— 
Holbrook, N. Am. Herp., IV, 1840, p. 75, Pl. 13 (ref. infers).— 
olbrook, lc, Hd 2, TI, 1842, p. 55, PR rr. 
Bascanion constricor Abbott, Geol. N. J., 1868, p. 802.—Lock- 
wood, Am. Nat., IX, 1875, p. 5.—Abbott, Nat. Rambles, 1885, 
p. 476.—Ditmars, Proc. Linn. Soc. N. Y., 1895-96, No. 8, p. 15. 
—Stone, Am. Nat., XL, 1906, p. 166. 
