565 Notes en the Habits of some Western Snakes. [July, 



holding a bellicose council. They were collected around a hill, 1 

 into which they were scraping dirt vigorously. On examining 

 the burrow it was found to contain a large rattlesnake that the 

 dogs were trying to entomb. I noticed this several times, as did 

 other members of our party. To leave no doubt upon the sub- 

 ject we dug out the snakes after shooting them. 



The habit of swallowing whole eggs is too well known to merit 

 more than mention. But few persons realize the mischief snakes 

 work in destroying the nests and young of our valuable birds. 

 It is not an unusual occurrence to find whip ( Baseanium flageli- 

 forme), racers (Baseanium constrictor) and bull snakes ( ' Pityophis 

 sayi), with the entire contents of quail, prairie hen or domestic 

 fowl's nests within their capacious stomachs. With a little care 

 they may be compelled to disgorge the ingesta unbroken. 



During the breeding season the odor of many snakes is quite 

 'distinct and perceptible at some distance. This is markedly so in 

 the rattlesnake ( Crotalus confluentus), its musky and foetid emana- 

 tions are quickly recognized by frontiersmen. 



The manner of union of the sexes at this season is rather in- 

 structive. The female among the racers (Baseanium) is larger and 

 darker than the males, and not so graceful in form or movements, 

 she, at times, seems to toy with the male, indisposed to yield to 

 his importunities, though pressed with ardor. To avoid his suit, 

 at times, she will dart through grass, among stones, or enter a 

 crevice. Should he be able to reach his mate while within a hole, 

 he is not slow in bringing her to the surface, again to be repulsed. 

 Upon an unbroken ground the sexual communion is less pro- 

 longed. Here she is unable to free herself from his quick and 

 effectively directed moves. In case she attempts to quit him, a 

 coil is thrown about her body, and his head laid flat upon her 

 neck, and replaced as promptly as dislodged, evidently in the 

 endeavor to propitiate her. 



Of all strange habits in snakes, none equals that observed m 

 the blowing adder ( Heterodon simus). One afternoon returning 

 to camp, I came upon a box turtle ( Cistudo ornata) trailing along 

 one of these snakes, which had a firm hold upon the turtle's left 

 hind foot. The turtle was unable to free itself of its tormentor, 

 as its hold was quite secure; so persistently was it maintained 

 that I lifted the turtle by grasping the body of the snake. Con- 



