THE SNAKES OF THE MARITIME PROVINCES OF CANADA. 17 



consumed. 



When irritated or handled constrictor emits a fetid odor from 

 the skin, which is very difficult to remove. Garters have the 

 same habit, but in a less degree. This odor is most perceptible 

 when the creature has wound itself about the wrist or arm and is 

 exerting its constricting power, which in the case of a five- foot 

 specimen is very considerable. 



Though the Black ►Snake will assume a menacing attitude, 

 and advance as if to attack a person, holding the head quite 

 high, it soon turns and makes off if one refuses to retire. It is 

 quite harmless. 



Storeria occipitomaculata Storer. 



Red-bellied Snake. 



This pretty little snake is distributed sparingly in all the 

 maritime provinces, but in New Brunswick seems more abund- 

 ant near the coast. It is quite common in Nova Scotia, at least 

 in that section of the province examined by the writer, an<l 

 Harry Piers reports it fairly common near Halifax. It fre- 

 quents dry ground whether in the forest or oi>en country, pre- 

 ferring sandv, gravelly, or broken hillsides with a southern 

 exposure. 



Head small, we'l defined by reason of the very slender neck. 

 Superior lal)ials six; inferior, seven; scales in fifteen longitudinal 

 series; gastrosteges one hundred and twenty-six, urosteges fiftv- 

 four. The anal [)late is divided, but the first two or three 

 caudal scutes behind the anus are often undiviiled. Dorsal 

 scales carinated. Body tapering rapidly towards the tail, which 

 is very slender. Size small, rarely reaching twelve inchC'; in 

 length. 



The coloration is fairly uniform throughout its range here. The 

 superior surface varies from chestnut- brown to olivaceous, with 

 small s[»ots of darker. A central blotch of pale red on the nape, 

 with a snuiller one on each side of it; soni'^times all are blended 

 into a ring, recalling DiadophU. Chin and thfoat white, dusted 

 with black; ventral surface brick red- 



This snake is said to I)e ovd viviparous, but the writer has never 



