AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES. 



269 



22. Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus). Ribbon snake. — It has 

 been the experience of the writer that this snake is generally much 

 less common in Michigan than its relative T. sirtalis. We found that 

 this was decidedly not the case in the sand region and the neighbor- 

 ing islands of Huron County, where it is apparently quite as abundant 

 as T. sirtalis. It was found everywhere, both in the swamps and 

 on the ridges, in the sand region and on Stony Island. 



23. Natrix gipedon (Linnaeus). Water-snake.— This water snake 

 was found throughout the region investigated — Stony Island, North 

 Island, Sand Point and Rush Lake. It was not numerous in the 

 sand region, but was found at almost every permanent pond. It was 

 more abundant at Rush Lake, and very numerous on Stony Island. 



Nearlv all of the smaller specimens (450 mm. and less) were found 

 under loose stones, driftwood etc., on the shores, only the larger 

 individuals roaming about. Two specimens (taken on August 17 

 and 21) were about to give birth to young; indeed, three young 

 emerged and escaped when one of these snakes was picked up. 



