llo 
SNAKE. 
As the autumn approaches, the ringed snakes seek 
a lodging in some hole where they can conceal them- 
selves, at least fifteen inches below the surface of the 
ground; here they pass the winter in a torpid state, 
and become quite rigid in every part except the head 
and the tip of the tail. In the month of March they 
again revive, and from that period till towards the 
end of May are to be met with in abundance on 
warm banks and under hedges in the heat of the 
day. This species casts its skin in the same manner 
as the viper, which we have already described. 
The Americans have a snake, the coluber con- 
strictor Linn., which merits a share of our atten- 
tion. This creature, which is black, and grows to 
the length of six feet, is quite as inoffensive as our 
own, though from its boldness and great agility it 
often occasions an unnecessary alarm. As every 
one in America is fearful of the rattle-snake, they 
are apt to be alarmed at the appearance of any ser- 
pent, and, without giving themselves time to con- 
sider. immediately take to their heels. This animal 
pursues with such swiftness as soon to overtake the 
fugitive, who is generally brought to the ground by 
the serpent coiling itself about his legs. A circum- 
stance of this kind was mentioned to professor Kalm 
during his residence at New York. The gentleman 
who related the fact had several workmen at his 
countrv-seat, and among them one who had just 
arrived from Europe, and who was consequently 
unacquainted with the manners of the black snake. 
