541 
We have records of numerous examples seen, the earliest date being May 
3 and the latest August 29. It is probably most abundant in June. Defi- 
nite dates are as follows: In 1899, one seen July 11 and another August 
29. In 1900, one seen July 13, 17 and 20, all on the west side; one seen 
on east side of Lost Lake August 1, one at Fish Commission Station 
August 7, and one hear the Inlet August 16. In 1901, one in Culver Bay 
May 3; a large one on west side May G6, one near Farrar’s May 23; a 
large one on Long Point June 2; another on Long Point June 16; one at 
Outlet June 19; one 3 feet 9 inches long on west side June 22; and a small 
ove on Long Point June 24. In 1906 a large one found dead on Long 
Point August 15, a small one in Green’s marsh, one at the Outlet and one on 
Yellow River August 16. During the summer of 1906, after the dam was 
thrown across the Outlet at the railroad bridge the water in the Outlet 
below the dam became very low, and water snakes could be found along 
the edge of the water almost any time a visit was made to that place. 
This is the species more often seen in the water than any other. It 
delights to lie coiled on some old log or root in or at the edge of the 
stream, or on the timbers at the dam or the logs of drift material. It 
inhabits rather open woodland ponds in great abundance, and in such 
places they often collect several together on projecting logs. In such 
situations it lies in wait, basking in the sun, making short excursions now 
and then into the water after fish or frog, or dropping quietly into the 
stream when disturbed by the near approach of any one. Then it hides 
under the bank, only its head being out of the water, or else swims swiftly 
away and out of reach. While swimming it usually keeps its head above 
water, but when closely pressed or annoyed it will go entirely under and 
swim along on or near the bottom. 
The water-shnake is frequently called “moccasin” or “redbelly” and is 
by many believed to be deadly poisonous. Its bite is, however. entirely 
harmless, and it is very different from the venomous ‘‘water-moccasin”’ 
or cotton-mouth of the south. 
Although the water-snake is non-venomous, it has very little to com- 
mend it. It is repulsive in appearance and spiteful in temper. It is more 
destructive to fishes than any other of our snakes; indeed, it seems to 
subsist chiefiy on fish. It will eat any kind of fish it can catch, though 
it doubtless prefers the soft-rayed species, such as the minnows, suckers 
and the like; it surely finds them ensier to handle than the spiny-rayed 
species such as the bass and perch. We have found many different fishes 
