HERPETOLOGY. 
Less than forty species of Reptiles have as yet been found in 
Massachusetts—and these are scarcely known even by our Natural- 
ists. Unattractive for the most part, in their appearance—their 
habitats not easily ascertained ;—their importance not considered ;— 
they are generally neglected, as objects unworthy attention, or to be 
avoided for their imagined detriment. 
Investigated, we find almost every species of more or less utility, 
and one only possessed of any noxious power. 
The order Chelonia comprises our Tortoises. Of these, the 
clausa, picta, punctata, and serpentina are each used as articles. of 
food ;—the last of these, being the largest species, is more generally 
eaten, and considered quite a delicacy when made into a soup. The 
oil obtained from this species is carefully preserved in many portions 
of the interior of the state, for its supposed virtues in bruises, sprains, 
&c., when externally applied. 
The order Ophidia,—Serpents,—has ever been looked upon with 
superstition and terror. And, I believe, that at the present moment, 
it is almost universally supposed, that several species of venomous 
Snakes inhabit Massachusetts. Who has not heard of hair-breadth 
escapes from ‘‘ monstrous black snakes”? and ‘‘ great water adders ? 
The beautiful garter and ribbon, and green snake even, are avoided 
with consternation by not a few. A venomous coluber does not exist 
among us. Perfectly innocuous and inoffensive, they should be 
looked upon with interest, as they undoubtedly destroy many animals 
which might be injurious. So great, however, is the prejudice 
against this genus, that if instances could really be produced of their 
importance with us, they would still be exterminated, as is the ery- 
throgrammus of the southern states ; although it is well known, that 
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