Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 589 



shores of ponds and lakes. We have rarely observed it in mead- 

 ows or on wet or marshy ground; nor have we noted it often about 

 human habitations. 



Although not often seen in the immediate vicinity of this lake, 

 it is probably not uncommon in suitable situations, especially in 

 dry sandy regions. It appears to be very well known among the 

 inhabitants of the region, and though entirely harmless, is held in 

 great dread by most of them — even its breath is supposed to be 

 fatal. From its method of defending itself by appearing very 

 terrible, a habit which has perhaps given its evil repute, it is one 

 of the most interesting snakes in the region. 



One was taken in Walley's woods on a bright day in the spring 

 of 1901. When first approached it assumed a threatening attitude 

 and gave vent to loud hisses ; it then broadly flattened out the neck, 

 and the bright colors and color pattern, which had been more or 

 less concealed by the scales, now stood out vividly, the color mark- 

 ings on the back of the neck standing out with especial clearness. 

 When the snake found that none of these tactics availed, it stiff- 

 ened out and appeared to be dead, and was easily picked up and 

 placed in the collecting can. 



During the summer of 1906 a large example of this species was 

 seen on the shore of Lost Lake, but it escaped into a hole in the 

 bank. In the autumn of the same year a young example about 5 

 inches long was captured near the ice office, and frequent re- 

 ports of the species having been seen, were heard. 



The bite of this snake is entirely harmless — even if it could 

 be induced to bite. From the nature of its food, it is one of our 

 beneficial snakes; it eats very few fish, but subsists on frogs, 

 mice, insects, their larvge, and grubs. Instead, therefore, of merit- 

 ing the persecution which it seems almost everywhere, it is well 

 worthy of protection. 



From all other snakes of this part of the State, this species 

 may be known by its habit of flattening out both its head and body 

 marvelously. In color, it is brownish or reddish, with about 28 

 dark dorsal blotches, besides lateral ones and half-rings on the tail ; 

 sometimes the color is nearly uniform black. Vertical plate longer 

 than broad, about equal to the occipitals; ventral plates 120 to 150; 

 scales in 23 or 25 rows. Maximum length about 2 feet. 



10. PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE 



SISTRURUS CATENATUS (Rafinesque) 



This species, known also as the Massasauga, is likely to occur 

 in all prairie regions from Ohio to Minnesota and southward. In 



