220 BLACK SNAKE COACH-WHIP SNAKE. 



THE BLACK SNAKE. 



In many parts of the country, the black snake, on account 

 of its rapid movements, is called the " racer." Though fangless, 

 it often, in consequence of the way in which it rustles its tail 

 among the dry herbage, making a sound similar to that of the 

 rattlesnake, gives no small alarm to the wanderer among the 

 brushwood near the edges of streams or ponds. It is also 

 frequently encountered in the fields or on the roads. 



It is generally from five to six feet in length ; of a blue- 

 black above, and an ashy gray below. It climbs trees in 

 search of birds or their eggs ; and if interrupted in its em- 

 ployment, will turn its rage against the intruder. Some- 

 times, it is asserted, it will, to his horror, leap down and 

 give him a bite ; though the only injury likely to arise is that 

 to his nervous system from fright. Its bite is, indeed, per- 

 fectly harmless ; and it does good service in hunting rats 

 which live in the outbuildings, being able to climb walls and 

 insinuate itself into the most intricate passages when chasing 

 them. 



THE COACH-WHIP SNAKE. 



The last snake we will mention is the coach-whip snake, 

 belonging to the family of Dryadidse. No serpent can sur- 

 pass it in the rapidity of its movements, as, with its lithe, 

 black body between five and six feet in length and whip- 

 like tail, it makes its way amid the grass in pursuit of its 

 prey. It seems literally to fly over the ground with the 

 speed of lightning. 



It is curiously like the thong of a whip, being very long 

 in proportion to its girth, with a remarkably small head and 

 neck ; its smooth scales so arranged as greatly to resemble 



