1894 J WARNER — OPHIDIANS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 287 



These creatures not only show great variet}' of taste in their gar- 

 ments but they are most extravagant in dressing. They will wear a 

 brand new garment but a season when they cast it away on some 

 brush pile and don an entire new suit. 



An important and unusual peculiarity in the ophidian race is that 

 the female is larger and stronger than the male. Two large rattle- 

 snakes were killed on the same spot on a plantation in Louisiana. 

 They had evidently attained their growth as they were both over nine 

 feet in length. The female was found to be five inches longer than 

 the male. In many birds and quadrupeds we find a great distinction 

 in dress in favor of the male. But in ophidian society the female is 

 dressed in brighter colors and a handsomer wardrobe. 



Serpents differ widely in their size, proportions, colors and other 

 physical characters, but they differ still more in their habits, temper 

 and instincts. The study of ophidians from this point of view would 

 be most interesting and instructive. 



There are some serpents that are always annoyed and irritated 

 at the presence of man. They are always ready for a fight and begin 

 at once to hiss and snap in a vicious and threatening manner. If one 

 finds himself in the presence of one of these creatures it is difficult 

 to part company without a fight. The water moccasin {Toxicophis 

 picivorus) is of this class; it is unfriendly and always ready for 

 a fight. The moccasin lies along the margin of a stream or catches 

 upon driftwood and lazily watches for his prey, which consists of fish 

 and frogs. They sometimes grow to enormous size, being short and 

 thick. I once dispatched one of these monsters which would measure 

 fully fifteen inches in circumference. 



The Pit viper or common rattler, is found in all the Southern 

 States, and is the most dreaded of all serpents. A gang of negroes 

 will leave their work and run to a place of safety when the presence 

 of a rattlesnake is suspected. The rattler will not attack a man 

 unless disturbed or provoked to a fight and even will run away if 

 given a chance. He will always give due notice of his presence by 

 springing his rattle and also by an unpleasant odor. 



The bull snake, which I have been unable to classify, is a long, 

 heavy, muscular fellow, frequently growing to a length of seven or 

 eight feet. He is of a reddish brown color with faint stripes and has 

 a large oval head. He makes a noise like the bellowing of a 

 bull. This snake .is very shy and is seldom seen or captured. I 



