118 



HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. 



between August 7 and 20, a difference of thirteen days. This is an 

 unusual occurrence among the garter-snakes, and is undoubtedly 

 abnormal, for, as far as we have observed, it has been invariably 

 the rule that the entire brood appeared within a few hours at most. 



Fig. 42. Distribution of Thamnophis butlerii. 

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



We have seen but one other specimen give birth to young, and there 

 were four in this brood. The 3'oung when but a few days old will 

 struggle eagerly with earthworms or minnows, capturing the latter 

 in a small dish of water or taking them from the fingers. For the 

 first three or four days they are very secretive and can be seen only 

 b}' overturning the moss and stones in the cage, except when they 



