SNAKES. 73 



The young of the spreading viper are hatched from 

 eggs which are buried in loose soil, sand or the humus 

 of decayed logs. The eggs are about 1 J x f inches in 

 size and covered with a tough, yellowish membrane. 

 As many as 27 are known to belong to the same batch. 

 When just hatched the young are about 8 inches in 

 length and are ready to hiss, flatten the body and 

 strike viciously whenever teased. 



A singular habit possessed by the spreading viper 

 is that of sometimes feigning death when disturbed. 

 This is more often indulged in in early spring soon 

 after they have left their winter retreats and while 

 they are seeking their first spring meal or choosing 

 their future mates. On March 23, 1893, a black speci- 

 men was found coiled up in some dead leaves in an 

 open place in the woods. On being teased it went 

 into a "fit," turning on its back with its mouth wide 

 open and its tongue protruded at full length. When- 

 ever it was turned right side up it would immediately 

 turn on its back again. If held right side up with a 

 stick it would squirm vigorously and endeavor to turn 

 over. It was left lying bottom up, but on my return- 

 ing to the spot a half hour afterward had disappeared. 



On another occasion a black and a spotted one were 

 found in company and when disturbed they opened 

 wide their mouths, turned on their backs and coiled 

 and twisted about in a very rapid and curious manner 

 for about five minutes, when they became quiet and 

 apparently lifeless. During all these contortions they 

 had remained on their backs, and when they became 

 quiet and were turned over they would immediately 

 turn on their backs again, but otherwise gave no signs 



