A new gemis of Serpents, ^d 183 



and white, the white predominating; but the lower lip has 

 three white spots, the tip being gray. 



The habits of this reptile differ much from those of the pre- 

 ceding species. It is always found on dry high land, in the 

 pine barrens and similar places, never in water or swamps ; 

 and is therefore known, amongst the inhabitants, by the name 

 of Highland Moccason-. It is a very vicious animal, and its 

 bite is very dangerous. General Robertson, one of the first 

 settlers and founders of Nashville, was bitten both by a rattle^ 

 snake and a highland moccason; and, according to the state- 

 ment of his son. Dr. F. Robertson, the pain or wound of the 

 latter was more excruciating than that of the former. 



The name of Moccason is applied to several snakes. The 

 one described by Daudin, under the name of Cenchris Moke- 

 son, must be a different animal. The one known by the name 

 of Water Moccason is a harmless reptile, and belongs to the 

 genus Coluber. The same name is sometimes given to the 

 Heterodon. 



There is another reptile, also called Water Moccason, which 

 I have often seen, but have never been able to obtain, as it 

 Hves mostly in water, and is visible only when it suns itself, 

 and retires immediately into the water when approached. — 

 From the shape of this snake, it being short and thick, with a 

 large head, and having a rusty black colour, I beheve it to be 

 poisonous. 



The A. atro-fuscus occurs in several places in Tennessee* 

 For the one from which this description is drawn up, I am in- 

 debted to the politeness of Mr. Skip with, who found it iii 

 Maury county, Tenn. 



Heterodon, Palisot de Bcauvou. 



It seems as yet undecided whether Heterodon should be con- 

 sidered as a genus, or merely a species of Coluber. The diag- 

 nosis given by Daudin is only partly correct. — " Naso suh- 



VoL. III. 24 



