THE COLU BRINE SNAKES 



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parts are mottled black and white or gray. There are, however, several variations 

 as regards the coloration of the neck. In the ordinary variety, for instance, there 

 is a white, yellow, or orange collar, usually divided in the middle, behind which 

 is a broad black collar, the latter being sometimes alone present. In another va- 

 riety, mostly from the south of Europe, the collar is altogether wanting, or reduced 

 to a small black patch on each side of the nape; while in the southeastern race the 

 collar, although well marked, is divided in the middle, and there is a yellowish 

 streak along each side of the back. 



In England the ringed snake is one of the most common reptiles, inhabiting 

 woods, heaths, and hedges, especially where water is abundant. Although its 

 chief food consists of frogs, it also preys upon voles, mice, young birds, and fish, 

 and is stated occasionally to consume eggs. When a frog is pursued by one of 



RINGED SNAKE SEIZING ITS PREY. 

 (One-fifth natural size.) 



these snakes it seems paralyzed with fear, and, instead of making any effort to es- 

 cape, sits still and gives vent to a shrill cry never heard at any other time. Gener- 

 ally the frog is seized by the hind-leg, and gradually swallowed by the snake with- 

 out its position being changed. On this point Bell observes that " when a frog is 

 in the progress of being swallowed in this manner, as soon as the snake's jaws 

 have reached the body, the other hind-leg becomes turned forward, and as the body 

 gradually disappears, the three legs and head are seen standing forward out of the 

 snake's mouth in a very singular manner. Should the snake, however, have taken 

 the frog by the middle of the body, it invariably turns it by several movements of 

 the jaws, until the head is directed toward the throat of the snake, and it is then 



