i5 



lines, tail seven inches nine lines inclusive. Although 

 this species is the same in coloration as Liopeltis vernalis, 

 it may be easily distinguished by the carinated scales. 



During a brief stay in Plymouth County, Connecticut, I 

 found this species to be quite common ; and, although the 

 locality is not quite within the fifty-mile limit of this city, I 

 have no hesitation in adding this snake to our local Ophidia, 

 as the same character of country extends within the circum- 

 ference of fifty miles and is undoubtedly frequented by the 

 species, but no opportunity was offered me to investigate. 

 Previously the northern limit was given as southern New 

 Jersey; it is a common reptile in the Southern States. 



Bascanion Bd. and Gird. 

 Head distinct, somewhat elongated. Two nasals ; two 

 preoculars ; loral present. Body rather slender. Scales 

 smooth. Anal plate and subcaudal scuta bifid. The young 

 of some of the species differ much from the adult in colora- 

 tion, being spotted, while the latter are concolorous. 



Bascanion constrictor {Linn.). 

 Black Snake. 



Upper labials seven, sixth largest. Vertical plate about 

 twice as long as broad. Two preoculars, the upper con- 

 siderably the larger ; two postoculars. Tail about one 

 -quarter of total length. Color above and below, uniform 

 black, although the under side is sometimes tinted with 

 gray. Chin and throat milky white, the same color often 

 present on upper labials. Average length, five feet. 



A specimen, less than one week old, has the body light 

 gray, with a series of distinct transverse dorsal blotches 

 of brownish gray, which are darker at the edges. These 

 blotches become gradually narrower and less distinct pos- 

 teriorly and disappear almost altogether on the tail. 

 Laterally are numerous dark spots, about the size of a 

 scale. Under side grayish white with a row of black spots 

 on each side, near the edges of the gastrosteges, and two 



