I20 PROCEEDINGS manchkste;r institute 



blotches. The scales are in 17 rows, rarely 19; the ventral 

 plates number 170 to igo. 



7. Diadopliis Baird and Girard. 



9. D. pundahis Linnseus. Ring-necked Snake. This is 

 blue-black above, pale orange below. Each plate usually has 

 a black dot on each side. The most conspicuous feature is a 

 yellow ring around the neck. It attains a length of a little 

 more than a foot. The scales are in fifteen rows ; the ventral 

 plates number 140 to 160. 



8. Laiiipropeltis Fitzinger. 



10. L. doliahis, var. triangulus Boie. Spotted Adder. 

 House Adder. Milk Snake. This variety of a species which 

 it little resembles in color, is one of our handsomest snakes. 

 With a reputation for venomness which is a slander, it comes 

 about our buildings to catch mice, and is then killed because it 

 is a snake. The color is gray, varying in shade. There are 

 three rows of brown blotches bordered with black, on the upper 

 side. The under side is light gray with square black spots and 

 possesses a pearly lustre that would be admired if it were some- 

 where else. The extreme length is from three to four feet. The 

 rows of scales are 21 ; the plates, 180 to 210. 



9. Heterodoii Beauvais. 



10. H. platirhhios I^atreille. Puffing Adder, Hissing Ad- 

 der, Blowing Viper. The foregoing are a few of the many 

 names that are given this snake. It is brownish, with darker 

 blotches, but very variable. Sometimes it is nearly or quite 

 black. The nose is pointed and slightly turned up, somewhat 

 resembling a kernel of buckwheat. When disturbed it makes 

 no attempt to escape but flattens its head and emits a hiss that 

 is rather startling at first. This is another much-maligned 

 snake that has been given a most linenviable reputation. It is, 

 however, perfectly harmless and may be handled with impunit)'. 

 Its whole appearance and habit of flattening the head and hiss- 

 ing is a good example of protective mimicry. It attains a 



