REPTILES. 



97 



the streams and lakes of southern Michigan. It is never found far 

 from such habitats and generally frequents logs or branches of 

 bushes overhanging the Avater, into which it glides swiftly on the 

 slightest sign of danger, and conceals itself on the bottom. On 



DOMINION CF CANADA 



I I- L I N IS 



O N I C AO • 



V -tAKE ,^ 



ERIE 



Fig. 34. Distribution of Matrix sipedon. 

 Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. 



sandy and rocky shores where bushes and trees do not come down 

 to the waters edge (for example, along the Great Lakes) it is found 

 under logs and driftwood. 



A considerable variety of food has been recorded In the stomachs 

 of these snakes. Surface (1906, 156) records insect fragments with 

 toad remains, undetermined species of orthoptera, two-striped grass- 

 13 



