The Brown Snakes 



examined measured 15 inches. The following measurements 

 are of an adult of average size, captured in Westchester County, 

 New York: 



Total Length 12} inches. 



Length of Tail 2^ 



Diameter of Body -fa " 



Width of Head i " 



Length of Head f 



Distribution. The species is widely distributed and generally 

 abundant. It occurs in southern Canada, and inhabits the 

 entire United States east of the Rocky Mountains, whence it 

 extends southward into Mexico. 



Habits. Very secretive, this little snake usually passes 

 the hours of light hiding among loose stones or under flat rocks, 

 whence it sometimes ventures abroad late in the afternoon, 

 and at such times may be seen crossing country roads. During 

 the early spring it may frequently be found basking in the sun- 

 light. It feeds largely upon earthworms and slugs, in fact the 

 writer has never succeeded in inducing this species to eat any- 

 thing else, although it is very probable that in a wild state it 

 also feeds upon the smaller salamanders and the soft-bodied 

 grubs of beetles. Although there has been much controversy 

 to the opposite effect, a number of the smaller species of snakes 

 are partially insectivorous in their habits. An examination 

 of the stomachs of a number of very small specimens of the 

 present species, disclosed the presence of various beetles that 

 live under rocks and frequent similar situations as do these 

 reptiles. 



Where other species of snakes have long been exterminated 

 owing to their wandering habits, which lead them into the danger 

 zone of stone and club, this diminutive reptile is yet abundant. 

 Contented with remaining in a small patch of loose rocks or 

 stubble where its food is always to be found, the DeKay's Snake 

 yet exists in moderate numbers even within the limits of the 

 large eastern cities, in parks and upon unimproved pieces of 

 ground. 



This snake is viviparous, giving birth to from twelve to 

 twenty young, during the latter part of the summer. Some notes 

 upon the breeding habits are appended: 



268 



