94 THE AMERICAN M USE UM JO URN A L 



evinces an unmistakable characteristic of warning. There are 

 but few records of the bites of venomous snakes in this portion 

 of the United States. 



SNAKES. 



Order Ophidia. 



The snakes are well represented in the Atlantic states, four- 

 teen species being distributed through sections of the region 

 surrounding New York City. Some of these reptiles attain fair 

 dimensions, and several of the species are brilliantly colored. 

 Two are venomous and of sufficient size to be formidable to 

 man. These dangerous snakes, the Rattlesnake and the Copper- 

 head Snake, may be recognized by their triangular heads which 

 are quite distinct from the neck. The blunt tail of the Rattle- 

 snake, terminating in its warning appendage, is a character 

 hardly possible to be overlooked by the most indifferent obsen-er. 

 The Copperhead Snake is so strongly marked that identification 

 is but the question of a moment's intelligent examination after 

 an idea of the color pattern has been acquired. 



Several of our harmless snakes have been provided with 

 eccentric and misleading titles. To those unacquainted with 

 reptiles, such species as the "Flat-headed Adder," the "Spotted 

 Adder," the " Water Moccasin " and others of equally formidable 

 appellation might be regarded as reptiles not entirely devoid 

 of harm. ]\lany of our harmless snakes which are of substantial 

 economic importance in the destruction of the smaller injurious 

 mammals possess the most evil reputation, although they really 

 aid the agriculturist. The slaughter of these useful reptiles by 

 the misinformed is a genuine calamity. 



In the key to the identification of the local snakes, the at- 

 tention of the student is especially directed to color and the 

 formation of scales. Snakes are either provided with smooth or 

 keeled scales, the latter having a distinct ridge, or keel, running 

 lengthwise. The Garter Snake and the Water Snake are ex- 

 amples of snakes possessing keeled scales. This simple plan 

 makes identification easy, and excludes the usual technical 

 reference to the complicated arrangement of the scales or shields 

 of the head, which requires technical knowledge for satisfactory 



