216 Zoologica: N. Y. Zoological Society [I ; 11 



if anything, place them among those species detrimental to the inter- 

 ests of agriculturalists, although the worm-eating habits of the com- 

 mon E. sirtalis should be rated as an economic trait. It is of interest 

 to observe the feeding habits of a representative of the above genus, 

 a specimen of E. saurita, noted while in a wild state. The writer 

 witnessed an example feeding in a belt of swampy timber. The 

 high rasping croak of a small frog, directed his attention to the ribbon 

 snake, about two and one-half feet long, which had grasped the frog 

 by a hind leg. So vigorous were the frog's efforts, that it tore itself 

 from the snake's grasp and started away in a series of rapid hops, 

 with the reptile in pursuit. The serpent's movements were amaz- 

 ingly quick, and its power of vision in following the movements of 

 the frog apparently acute. It darted after the amphibian for a 

 distance of possibly eight feet, when the frog stopped, having 

 secreted itself among some leaves. The snake also paused, but was 

 all attention, with neck upraised and constantly darting tongue. It 

 prowled about in frenzied fashion, when a movement of the frog 

 attracted its attention, and it was instantly upon it, this time 

 retaining its hold until the prey was swallowed. 



The species of Tropidonotus feed upon frogs, toads, salamanders 

 and newts, the larval forms of these batrachians, fish and crusta- 

 ceans. 



The fresh-water snakes are of no economic value to man, and 

 in the vicinity of streams or ponds stocked with game fish, are a 

 menace to the breeding of the same. These snakes are very prolific, 

 the larger species producing litters of from forty to seventy young. 

 The young feed principally upon fish, remaining close to the water, 

 while the older reptiles often prowl the marginal vegetation for frogs 

 and toads. The manner of capturing fish shows a strong adaptation 

 to aquatic life. Prowling along the bottom, the snake watches for 

 prey above it. With the prey in sight, the snake rises and with a 

 snapping, whiplike motion of the neck and head, the jaws widely 

 distended, reaches for the food. It is in this manner that the young 

 snakes enter schools of small fishes. The young reptiles seldom 

 pursue individual specimens. With the food swallowed, the school 

 is again stalked and the manoeuvres continue until the reptile is 

 gorged. These snakes are able to swallow their prey while under 

 the water. A three and a half foot specimen of T. fasciatus sipedon, 

 immediately after capture, disgorged eleven "suckers" or mud fish, 

 averaging three to four inches in length, three sunfish, with strong, 



