THE BEAD SNAKE. 



'47 



the work first appeared, familiar as the existence of the Spitting-Snake has been to 

 naturalists for many years. 



The Haje is one of the fiercest among poison-bearing Snakes, seldom running from 

 an adversary, but generally turning to fight, and not unfrequently beginning the 

 attack. Generally, it moves slowly, but when angry, it darts at its foe, and strikes 

 and spits with such rapid energy, that the antagonist stands in need of a quick hand 

 and eye to conquer the furious reptile. It is a good climber, and is in the habit of 

 ascending trees in search of prey. It is fond of water, and will enter that element 

 voluntarily. While immersed, it swims well, but slowly, scarcely elevating its head 

 above the surface. 



In coloring it is one of the most variable of Snakes. Sometimes it is light yellow- 

 brown, either of a uniform tint, or covered with irregular blotches. Other specimens are 

 black when adult, having, when young, a series of broad yellow bands on the fore part 

 of the body. Another variety is black, with a grayish white spectacle-like mark on the 

 neck, and the fore part of the abdomen yellow, with some broad cross-bands. This 





HAJE, OR SPUUGH-SLANQE.-Mi/a haje. 



is the variety shown in the illustration. It is rather curious that the hood of the black 

 specimens is not so wide as in the yellow and brown varieties. The length of the Haje 

 is about five or six feet. 



ONE of the brightest and loveliest of Serpents is the BEAD SNAKE of North America. 



This beautiful little reptile inhabits the cultivated grounds especially frequenting 

 the sweet-potato plantations, and burrowing in the earth, close to the roots of the plants, 

 so that it is often dug up by the negroes while getting in the harvest. It possesses 

 poison-fangs, but is apparently never known to use them, permitting itself to be handled 

 in the roughest manner, without attempting to bite the hand that holds it. 



The colors of this Snake are bright, pure, and arranged in a manner so as to contrast 

 boldly with each other. The muzzle and part of the head are black, the remainder of 

 the head is golden yellow, and the front of the neck jetty black. A narrow band of 

 golden yellow with undulating edges comes next the black, and is followed by a broad 

 band of the lightest carmine. From this point the whole of the body and tail are 

 covered with narrow rings of golden yellow, alternating with broad bands of carmine 



