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9. Heterodon platyrfainus Latreille. 

 Hog-nosed Snake. 



This interesting reptile, also known as spreading adder and blowing 

 viper, is found throughout the eastern United States. It is a common and 

 well-known species in most parts of Indaina. 



It frequents dry situations such as cultivated fields, old fence-rows, 

 open pastures and roadsides ; also dry hillsides and the banks of streams. 

 At times it may be seen along water-courses and the shores of ponds and 

 lakes. We have rarely observed it in meadows or on wet or marshy ground ; 

 nor have we noted it often about human habitations. 



Although not often seen in the immediate vicinity of this lake, it is 

 probably not uncommon in suitable situations, especially in dry sandy 

 regions. It appears to be very well known among the inhabitants of the 

 region, and is held in great dread by most of them ; even its breath is sup- 

 posed to be fatal. From its method of defending itself by appearing very 

 terrible, a habit which has perhaps given its evil repute, it is one of the 

 most interesting snakes in the region. 



One was taken in Walley's woods on a bright day in the spring of 

 1901. When first approached it assumed a threatening attitude and gave 

 vent to loud hisses : it then broadly flattened out the neck, and the bright 

 colors and color-pattern, which had been more or less concealed by the 

 scales, now stood out vividly, the color markings on the back of the neck 

 standing out with especial clearness. When the snake found that none of 

 those tactics availed, it stiffened out and appeared to be dead, and was 

 easily picked up and placed in the collecting can. 



During the summer of 1906 a large example of this species was seen 

 on the shore of Lost Lake, but it escaped into a hole in the bank. In the 

 autumn of the same year a young example about 5 inches long was cap- 

 tured near the ice office ; and frequent reports of the species having been 

 seen, were heard. 



The bite of this snake is entirely harmless — even if it could be induced 

 to bite. From the nature of its- food, it is one of our beneficial snakes ; it 

 eats very few fishes, but subsists on frogs, mice, and insects, and their 

 larvae, or grubs. Instead, therefore, of meriting the persecution which it 

 meets almost everywhere, it is well worthy of protection. 



From all other snakes of this part of the State, this species may be 

 known by its habit of flattening out both its head and body marvelously. 



