HERPETOLOGY 



Less than forty species of Reptiles have as yet been found in 

 Massachusetts — and these are scarcely known even by our Natural- 

 ists. Unattractive for the most part, in their appearance — their 

 habitats not easily ascertained ; — their importance not considered ; — 

 they are generally neglected, as objects unworthy attention, or to be 

 avoided for their imagined detriment. 



Investigated, we find almost every species of more or less utility, 

 and one only possessed of any noxious power. 



The order Chelonia comprises our Tortoises. Of these, the 

 clausa^ picta^ punctata, and serpentina are each used as articles of 

 food ; — the last of these, being the largest species, is more generally 

 eaten, and considered quite a delicacy when made into a soup. The 

 oil obtained from this species is carefully preserved in many portions 

 of the interior of the state, for its supposed virtues in bruises, sprains, 

 &c., when externally applied. 



The order Ophidia, — Serpents, — has ever been looked upon with 

 superstition and terror. And, I believe, that at the present moment, 

 it is almost universally supposed, that several species of venomous 

 Snakes inhabit Massachusetts. Who has not heard of hair-breadth 

 escapes from ^^ monstrous black snakes'''' and "great water adders ? 

 The beautiful garter and ribbon, and green snake even, are avoided 

 with consternation by not a ^qw. A venomous coluber does not exist 

 among us. Perfectly innocuous and inoffensive, they should be 

 looked upon with interest, as they undoubtedly destroy many animals 

 which might be injurious. So great, however, is the prejudice 

 against this genus, that if instances could really be produced of their 

 importance with us, they would still be exterminated, as is the ery- 

 throgrammtis of the southern states ; although it is well known, that 



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