198 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis 
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Linne)—The common garter- 
snake is taken principally in locations where frogs and toads 
abound. Individuals have been secured at Kimmswick where the 
writers are now introducing numbers of the species. Captive speci- 
mens are usually very docile and will readily take Rana pipiens, 
English sparrow but was finally obliged to desist since the bird was 
too large for its mouth; however, after most of the feathers had been 
removed, the reptile had little difficulty in swallowing the sparrow. 
Occasional individuals have learned to follow the hand about the 
cage in anticipation of food and seemed to revel in being handled. 
Tantilla gracilis Bairp and Girarp—tThe graceful tantilla is 
moderately rare in this county where specimens have been taken 
a Idman, Pevely, and Kimmswick. It lives a subterranean life 
under rocks on shaded hillsides. 
Agkistrodon mokasen BEeauvois—Copperheads are moderately 
common on rocky hillsides near streams bounded by cliffs and they 
are often taken about dwellings, probably attracted to the latter 
place by the mice. Specimens have been collected at Antonio, Sul- 
phur Springs, Sunnyside, Kimmswick, Festus, Goldman, Barnhart, 
and Glen Park. As captives they are resentful, treacherous, and 
often ill tempered, striking without warning. The y young have been 
born in our cages on August 12-14. 
Agkistrodon piscivorus (LAcEPEDE)—Occasional specimens 
of the cottonmouth moccasin are taken here and in the surround- 
ing area according to competent observers. They undoubtedly come 
up from the south along the waterways and since it is believed 
that only strays reach this part of the country, it is not likely that 
they actually breed here. 
Crotalus horridus Linnt—The timber rattler is rare in Jeffer- 
son County where it has been taken at Kimmswick and Barnhart 
Unlike the copperhead, which does not seem to be much concerned 
over the encroachment of man in its favorite habitats, the rattle- 
snake has very definitely been affected by the settling of the country. 
Chelydra serpentina (LinnE)—The common snapper is often 
found in isolated ponds to which it must migrate when adjacent 
temporary streams dry out. Specimens have been taken at Danby 
Sulphur Springs, Barnhart, Glen Park, and near High Ridge. They 
to have an unerring sense for the detection of water, an in- 
