sneils, earthworms, and insect larvae. Insects constitube the main: source 
of foed for the: shootunsealed srcen snake (Liopeltis, vernalis) and the rough— 
, 
le@.-green snake. (Qpheédrys aestivus), out ‘Snails anc spiders form about: 
one-fourth of tne vee bulk. 
The pretty little fing-necked snake (Di iadovhis punctain is, e 
mainly.on insects and-to & lesser extent on salamanders, sma all. Ss, ends 
earthworms. The rubber boa, or ball snake (Charina bottas) cats mice and. 
oe birdss Bull snakes and gopher snekes (Pitvo ophis). destroy large numbers 
of injurious- rodents in the course of a yeer. Even rattlesnakes are useful in 
Secs feeding hadits, becouse ground sduirrels, young prairic Gogs, and other 
rodents are their main’ .food. 
The food habits cf a few of cur snakes are of such nature what they 
conflict with man's interests. ‘The common water snake (Matrix sipedon) 
feeds largely on smail fish, but in most cases its food has been founc on 
examination, to consist mainly of fishes not used as food by man, anc. the 
remainder: incluées toads, froes, salamanders, insects, and small mamma 
The moon sneke, or queen snake (Natrix septemvittata), is known to feed 
la rsely on crawfishés and toads. The blacksnake (Blaphé obsoleta) and 
the coach-whip snake (Soluber flagellum) destroy 2 certain number of ground- 
Nesting birds, particularly vouns dueil ond esses in the nest, and have 
been knowm to eat younzs chickens and even young pacasants. Tne soreading 
adder (Eeterodon contortrix) is unduly destructive to toads, at least in the 
Hastern Statese. In the Middle West, this species has a more varied diet, for 
mice,. grasshoppers, end other insects form a large proportion of its annual 
LOOd. 
Some allowance must be mace for local conditions in appraising the 
food habits of any aninal. Snaxes, like other animals, will satisfy their 
hunger with whatever food is evailable. Whenever snakes are present in 
what epoear to be abnormally large numbers, there must be an abundance of 
living enimel food in the vicinity to attract them. Poisonous snakes have 
no.place in a.setticd country, no matter how beneficial their food habits 
Mey bes Most of the nenvenomous snekes, : shoulé be given as much 
consideration as any other animal that cirectly or indirectly assists man 
in combating pests.that may devour his 
Precautionary Measures Agcainst Snakes 
There is little likelihood of accidents from snakes if the follows 
sugsestions mre borne in. mind: 
Canpers should svolc pitching their tents in swampy areas and im the 
vicinity of rocky lcdgcs. Clean camping sites are preferable. Hvery one 
should take the necessary precautions of cbserving where he walks and 
especielly woere he puts his hands. Bedding and clothing should be hung 
up Curing. the. day. 
