340 
This creature, like many other snakes, is protected by an abominably 
sickening odor, not noticeable at a distance, but as disagreeable a smell 
as one is apt to encounter. This odor, however, is noticeable only when 
the snake has been alnoyed and has become angered. When angry it 
sometimes flattens out after the fashion of the blowing adder. 
There is a great variation among the individuals of this species found 
about the lake, and two or more subspecies should probably be recognized. 
We, however, have grouped them all under the species. 
From all other snakes found about the lake, particularly the ribbon 
snake which it most resembles, this species may be readily known by its 
having the lateral stripe on the second and third instead of the third and 
fourth rows of scales. This species is also stouter, the tail being one- 
fourth the entire length. Color olivaceous, dorsal stripe narrow, obscure ; 
three series of small dark spots on each side, about 70 between head and 
vent; side and belly greenish; lateral stripe rather broad, but not con- 
spicuous; colors generally duller than in other species; ventral plates 
130 to 160. Length 2 to 4 feet. 
4. Thamnophis butleri Cope. 
BUTLER’S GARTER SNAKE, 
This is the rarest of the species of garter snakes which occur at the 
lake. The only example we have seen was found freshly killed just south 
of the Indiana boathouse on the east side of the lake July 23, 1900. It is 
No. 33544 (02716), National Museum. 
It may be known from other garter shakes of the region by the location 
of the side stripes which are on the second, third and fourth rows of 
scales, which is not the case with either of the other species. 
5. Natrix sipedon (Linnveus). 
WATER-SNAKE. 
The water-snake is a common and well-known snake throughout the 
whole eastern United States as far westward as Kansas, and is tolerably 
abundant throughout its range in wet places, such as streams, ponds and 
lakes. About Lake Maxinkuckee it is to be found along low bits of shore 
such as that about Norris Inlet and the various other inlets of the lake, 
and near the Outlet. One of its favorite haunts is that portion of the 
Outlet between the two lakes. Next to the common garter snake this water 
shake or “moccasin” is the snake most frequently seen about the lake. 
