ORDER OPHIDIA. 335 



repeatedly during the evening ; they seem to reply to each 

 other and to be much agitated. In Burgundy, the people 

 are persuaded that this is the season of their amours ; but 

 the truth is, that at the time of which we speak, that season is 

 over for two or three months. 



It is said that this adder is susceptible of education. Val- 

 mont de Bomare, who calls it serpent familiar, relates that 

 he saw one so much attached to the mistress who fed it, that 

 it would often glide along her arms as if to caress her, con- 

 ceal itself under her garments, or repose upon her bosom. 

 It knew her voice, would come when called, and followed her 

 continually. 



This probably is the adder which is common in Sardinia, 

 and which Cetti has named Coluhro uccellatore. This is the 

 opinion of Daudin ; but M. Latreille thinks that it should 

 rather be considered as the analogue of the anguis cesculapii 

 niger of Aldrovandus and Johnston. 



The Colubur Austriacus was never described with any 

 great exactness before the time of M. de Lacepede, and yet 

 it is common enough in Germany and France, and even as 

 far as Paris. According to Laurenti, it is frequently met with 

 in the ditches and humid situations around A^ienna. Dau- 

 din has observed it several times in ant-hills. It is a timid 

 animal, and always ready to fly the moment it is perceived. 

 It moves with considerable quickness, darting out its tongue, 

 but it seldom hisses. 



The Coluber Constrictor of Linnaeus is very common in 

 North America ; it is found habitually from the spring in 

 Carolina. Catesby has figured it under the name of the 

 hlaclc snake. In America it may be said to hold the place 

 of the common snake in Europe. According to the report 

 of M. Bosc it is very strong, and defends itself obstinately 

 when attacked ; but its bite is not dangerous. It is reported 

 in the country just mentioned, that it will fight with the 



