The Sharp-nosed Snakes 



larvae in the hiding places, it seems probably that the young snakes 

 feed upon such. 



A specimen in the writer's collection displayed interesting 

 habits. When handled, it never showed a disposition to bite, 

 which mild nature has been noted with the species generally. 

 Most of its time was spent under a strip of bark, but when a very 

 young mouse was placed in the case, the snake would glide rapidly 

 for it, seizing the rodent with a dart of the head and then coil 

 tightly about the animal, showing the species, although diminutive 

 in size, to be a typical constrictor. On the 23d of June, this 

 specimen deposited eight eggs; they were white and elongated, 

 and covered with a soft, smooth integument. The snake ap- 

 peared to take an interest in them and coiled always nearby, 

 or around them, a proceeding quite unnecessary from the stand- 

 point of space within the box, as the strip of bark, under which 

 the snake was in the habit of hiding, was over a foot in length. 

 Three weeks after the eggs were laid, one of them was opened 

 to ascertain the process of development; it contained a well- 

 formed embryo, which would have emerged within two weeks' 

 time. A week later, on lifting the bark to examine the snake 

 and her eggs, the creature was found much distorted, having 

 swallowed the remaining seven, which she fully digested within 

 a few days. This remarkable instance of cannibalism was quite 

 inexcusable, as the reptile had been fed at regular intervals. 



The Genus Rbinocbilus: Several species are recognised; 

 one is found in the United States. Among colubrine serpents, 

 these snakes are remarkable by the formation of the plates under the 

 tail; these are usually entire, in place of being divided; the ventral 

 plate is entire. Rostral plate sharp and somewhat protruding; 

 flattened on its under surface. Body moderately stout; head 

 slightly distinct. 



LECONTE'S SNAKE 

 Rhinochilus lecontei, (Baird & Girard) 

 Size moderate often a yard long. Head scales normal ; usu- 

 ally one large preocular plate; one loreal plate. Scales in 23 rows. 

 Colouration. The pattern is difficult to describe and quite 

 variable. There are usually alternating black and red blotches 

 on the back, the latter perfectly square; the black extends 

 farther downward on the sides. On the lower part of the sides, 



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