

OPHIDIANS. 523 



met with north of the parallel of 45o. It is particularly numer- 

 ous in the region of the Alleghany mountains. The length is 

 not often more than four feet. 



The DIAMOND RATTLE SNAKE, C. adamanteus, (Lat. adaman- 

 tine,) is more formidable than the preceding species. This is 

 found on the coast of the States south of North Carolina. It 

 has been known to exceed eight feet in length, and in thickness 

 to equal that of a stout man's leg. Those of this species are 

 seen much about water, and are therefore called WATER RAT- 

 TLES, to distinguish them from the common species, which keeps 

 on dry land. 



The CASCAVELLA, C. horridus, is common in South America. 

 The kindred genus Crotalophorus, (Gr. krotalon, a rattle ; phoreo, 

 to carry.) has several species in North America, which are usu- 

 ally termed Ground Rattle Snakes. These have the head cov- 

 ered with shields, and the rattles very small. The Miliary or 

 LITTLE CAROLINA RATTLE SNAKE, C. miliarius, though but 

 twelve or fourteen inches in length, is dreaded on account of the 

 intensity of its venom. 



The MASSASAGUA, C. Kirtlandi, is another species found in 

 northern Ohio and Michigan. Length twenty-seven inches. 



The BOIQUIRA, or as the natives term it, the Queen of Ser- 

 pents, is found in Brazil. 



The MINIM ARU, or Jergon, Lachesis (Gr. name of one of the 

 Parca, or Fates) picta, is a species found in Peru, having the 

 head heart-shaped and covered with scales, and a thick upper 

 lip. It haunts the higher forests, while in those lower down its 

 place is filled by its no less fearful relative, the BUSH-MASTER, 

 L. rhombeata, (Prince Max,) which is from six to eight feet in 

 length. The genus is characterized by double scuta beneath 

 the tail, which ends in a short horny point. 



The COPPERHEADS, (genus Trigonocephalus, triangular-headed,) 

 are perhaps even more to be dreaded than the Rattle Snakes, 

 since they are equally venomous and give no warning of their 

 presence. 



The COPPER-HEAD, T. contortrix, in length two to three feet, 

 is most extensively distributed. Damp meadows are its favorite re- 

 sorts, where it shows itself to the peril of persons who are engaged 

 in mowing or passing through them. It sometimes finds its way 

 into damp cellars, where, however, it makes itself useful by des- 

 troying rats and mice. This and the Banded Rattle Snake are 

 the only really venomous kinds found in the middle and north- 

 ern States. 



The WATER MOCCASIN, T. piscivorus, (Lat. piscis, fish ; voro, 



