I 3 



THE CORN SNA] 



localities so constantly as the hog-nose, but prefers the more elevated and drier situations, 

 having a great fondness for the pine-barren districts where the soil is dry and the fallen 

 leaves afford it a shelter and a hunting-ground. It feeds mostly on little mammalia, cer- 

 tain reptiles, and insects. Like the hog-nose Snake, it hisses and strikes with fangless 

 jaws when irritated, and on account of its thick body, flat, wide head, and little glittering 

 eyes, has so venomous an aspect, that it terrifies almost any antagonist for the moment, 

 and then glides away before he has recovered from the instinctive shock to the nerves. 

 The color of the Black Viper is wholly black above, without any spots, though on the 

 living Snake there are indications here and there of a deeper tint. The under parts are 

 blackish slate, and the throat takes a whiter hue. It is but a little Serpent, in spite of 

 all its airs, being seldom more than twenty inches in length. 



CORN-SNAKE.-Co/uter guttatus. 



THUNDER SNAKE.-Coluber Oetulus. 



THE family of the Colubrinas is represented in most parts of the world, North America 

 possessing a large number of examples. 



The CORN-SNAKE of America may be reckoned among the most handsome of its tribe. 

 This pretty reptile is extremely common in many parts of America, although it is not very 

 frequently seen, owing to its dislike of daylight. As long as the sun is above the horizon, 

 the Corn-Snake conceals itself in some hiding-place, and issues from its home as soon 

 as the shades of evening begin to approach. It is fearless after its fashion, and has 

 an instinctive liking for the habitations of mankind, haunting farms and houses, where it 

 does considerable service by devouring rats and mice. Occasionally it takes toll in the 

 form of a chicken, but its services most certainly outbalance its little perquisites. It will 



