[ i HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY, (kx/yxA.ucL^A± 10, i^q. JAN 10 191/ CATALOGUE l(o>7^ 0 1' mUTE AMERICAN REPTILES IN THE M U S E U Jt OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. PART I. — SERPENTS. BY S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD. WASHINGTON: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. JANUARY, 1853. JAN 10 1917 CATALOGUE OP NORTH AMERICAN REPTILES IN THE MUSEUM OP THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. PART I.-SEEPENTS. BY S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD. WASHINGTON: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. JANUARY, 1853. Accepted for publication, November, 1852. .JOSEPH HENRY, Secretary S. I. STEKEOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON h CO. PHILADEIPHIA. PRINTEI) BY T. K. i P. G. COLLINS. MCZ LIBRARY HARVARD UillVERSirri Cpno"^'DG£. MA USA CONTENTS. Page Preface v Introduction vii Explanation of Terms used vii Synopsis op Families and Genera, and Systematic Index op Species of North American Serpents ix Genus Crotalus 1 — Crotalophorus 11 — Agkistrodon 17 — ToxicoPHis 19 — Elaps 21 — Eutainia 24 — Nerodia 88 — Regina 45 — Ninia 49 — Heterodon 51 PiTUOPHlS 64 — Scotophis 78 — Ophibolus 82 — Georgia 92 — Bascanion 93 — Masticophis 98 — Salvadora 104 — Leptophis 106 — Chlorosoma 108 — CONTIA 110 DiADOPHIS 112 LODIA 116 — SONORA 117 — Rhinostoma 118 — Rhinocheilus 120 — Haldea 122 — Farancia 123 — Abastor 125 — Virginia 127 — Celuta 128 — Tantilla 131 — Osceola 133 — Storeria 135 — Wenona 139 — Rena 142 iii iv CONTENTS. Page APPENDIX A. — Species examined, of which no Specimens are in POSSESSION OF the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 145 APPENDIX B. — Species desckibed by authors, but of which no Specimens could be obtained 150 APPENDIX C. — Species collected on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey by John H. Clark and Arthur Schott, under Maj. Wm. H. Emory, and received too late for insertion in their proper places 15G APPENDIX D. — Index of Sources from which the Specimens have been received 162 APPENDIX E. — Index of States and Territories from which Specimens have been received 164 Alphabetical Index 165 1. Vernacular Names 165 2. Systematic Names 167 PREFACE. In the present catalogue it is proposed to present a systematic ac- count of the collection of North American Serpents in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. In the Appendix will be found such species not in possession of the Institution, as could be borrowed for description, as well as notes on more or less authentic species of which no specimens could be found. A complete synonomy of all the species has not been attempted, as tending to swell the bulk of a catalogue too much. All those, however, necessary to a proper understanding of the history or cha- racter of the species, have been introduced, and all the synonyms quoted have been actually verified by original reference. Owing to the want of osteological preparations, it has been a difii- cult task to arrange the genera in a natural succession. In many cases forms are now combined which will hereafter necessarily be widely separated. The almost entire deficiency of modern general works upon the Colubridce, has also been a serious obstacle to any correct idea of a natural system. The forthcoming work of M. M. Dumeril will undoubtedly clear up much of the obscurity which now exists. But when systematic writers all carefully avoid the subject of the Ophidians, each waiting for the others to make the first step, the attempt to combine genera by well marked, though perhaps arti- ficial points of relation, will it is hoped be looked upon with indul- gence, even after more comprehensive and extended investigations shall render it necessary to break up the combinations here adopted. The collections upon which the original descriptions of the present catalogue have been based are as follows : — Spencer F. Baird. Species from Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Charles Girard. Maine, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. Rev. Charles Fox. Species from Eastern Michigan. Dr. p. II. Hoy. Species from Eastern Wisconsin. Prof. L. Agassiz. Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Florida. V ^l PREFACE. Dr. J. P. KiRTLAND. Northern Ohio. Gr. W. Fahnestock. Western Pennsylvania. Miss Valeria Blaney. Eastern Shore of Maryland. Dr. C B. R. Kennerly. Northern Virginia. John H. Clark. Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora. John Varden. District of Columbia and Louisiana. Dr. J. B. Barratt. Western South Carolina. Miss Charlotte Paine and Mrs. M. E. Daniel. Western S. Carolina. Dr. S. B. Barker. Charleston, S. C Prof. F. S. Holmes and Dr. W. J. Burnett. South Carolina. R. R. CuYLER and Dr. W. L. Jones. Georgia. D. C. Lloyd. Eastern Mississippi. Dr. B. F. Shumard and Col. B. L. C. Wailes. Mississippi. James Fairie. Mexico and Western Louisiana. Capts. R. B. Marcy and G. B. McClellan, U. S. A. Red River, Ark. Ferdinand Lindheimer. Central Texas. Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. A. The specimens collected while on the U. S. and Mex. Boundary Survey, by Mr. J. H. Clark, viz., in Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora. Maj. W. H. Emory. Specimens collected on the U. S. and Mexi- can Boundary Survey, by Arthur Schott, at Eagle Pass, Tex., and by J. H. Clark, in Texas and New Mexico. Gen. S. Churchill, U. S. A. Valley of the Rio Grande. Dr. L. Edwards, LT. S. A. Northern Mexico. Dr. Wm. Gambel. New Mexico and California. Dr. John L. Le Conte. Littoral California. Dr. C. C. Boyle and J. S. Bowman. Central California. Dr. a. J. Skilton. Species collected in California by Henry Moores, Esq. U. S. Exploring Expedition. Littoral California and Oregon. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philad. Various unique specimens described by Dr. Holbrook. Boston Society of Natural History. California. SPENCER F. BAIRD, Assist. Sec. S. I. in charge of Museum. Smithsonian Institution, ") January 5, 1853. J INTHODUCTION. EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED. The vertical plate is the central one in the middle of the head above, having on each side of it the svperdliaries, which form the upper part of the orbit. The two plates behind the vertical are the occi'pitah; the pair in front of it, the postfrontals. The prefrontals or anterior frontah are situated in front of the postfrontals; and an- terior to these and terminating the snout is the rostral. The plates immediately in front of the eye are the antcorhitals ; those behind it are the jyostorhitals. In advance of the anteorbital is the loraly be- tween which and the rostral are the two nasals, with the nostril be- tween them. The upper and lower labials margin the upper and lower jaws. The temporal shields are situated between the upper labials and the occipitals. The inframaxillary or mental scutellae or shields are just within the lower labials. The arrangement on the top of the head of one rostral, two pairs of frontals, one vertical with one superciliary on each side, and one pair of occipitals we have considered as typical or normal, from which but few of the genera described vary. Sometimes one plate occupies the place of the two prefrontals, and in some genera a second median plate is seen between the rostral, frontals, and vertical. On the side of the head we have sometimes but one nasal, and sometimes either the loral or the anteorbitals may be wanting. Where the latter con- dition exists, it is sometimes difficult at first to determine which plate has disappeared. A clue is to be found in the shape of the remain- ing plate ; if this be longitudinal, it is probably the loral ; if vertical, or divided into two or more, one above the other, it is to be con- sidered as anteorbital. The loral belongs to the postfrontals, and the anteorbital to the vertical, the posterior edges in the former and vii viii INTRODUCTION. the anterior in the latter generally ranging. Thus, when the ver- tical plate is very short, the anteorbital is also short or wanting entirely, and the same relation holds good between the loral and postfrontals. The specimen whose measurements are first given, unless stated to the contrary, has served as the type of the description, and the first mentioned species is to be considered as the type of the genus. Of the five numbers given at the end of the descriptions, the first indicates the number of the abdominal scutellje from chin to anus. The second is that of the pairs of subcaudal scutella? ; the third, the dorsal rows or the number of rows of scales around the body (ex- cluding the abdominal series). The fourth number shows the entire length of the animal, and the fifth the length of the tail, in English inches. In referring to the dorsal rows, the exterior one, or that next the scutellae, is considered to be the first, unless the contrary is stated. When there are two numbers separated by the symbol at the be- ginning of the measurements, the fii'st indicates the number of entire abdominal scutellte, the latter of those that are bifid or divided. The subcaudal scutellas are to be considered as divided or in pairs, unless mentioned to the contrarv. In enumerating the number of labial plates, those on one side of the jaws only are to be understood, and the terminal and median one on the symphysis of the upper and lower maxillaries is never in- cluded. On the upper jaw that plate is at the end of the snout, and is the rostral. The descriptions are all based on specimens preserved in alcohol, unless otherwise stated. INTRODUCTION. ix Synopsis op Families and Genera, and list op Species of North American Serpents. Family I. — Crotalidae. Erectible poison fangs, in front. Few teeth in upper jaw. A deep pit between the eye and nostril. Family II. — Colubridae. Both jaws fully provided with teeth. No anal appendages. A. Loral and anteorhital both present B. Either loral or anteorhital absent. Family III. — Boidae. Both jaws with teeth. Rudiments of hinder limbs or spiar-like anal appendages. Family IV. — Typhlopidae. Teeth only in one jaw, either the upper or lower. Upper jaw strongly projecting. Scales on the belly instead of scutellae, disposed in several series like those on the upper surface. Family I. — CROTALID-SI. Pac,'e _ ., .^, ^^, f with small scale-like plates Crotalus 1 Tail with a rattle. J ^uh large plates arranged as in Top of head covered (^ Colubfr Icrotalophorus 11 Tail without a rattle, /present Agkistrodon 17 Loral plate \ absent Toxicophis 19 INTRODUCTION. Family II.— COLUBRID^. A. Loral and anteorhital both present. INTRODUCTION. XI Family II. — COLUBRID.a3, continued. B. Loral or anteorhitals absent. Anteorbitals absent. Prefrontals Loral absent. Scales one. Scales .Haldea. Page 122 L / carinated \ smooth Farancia....l23 two. Scales?, / One nasal Abastor 125 smooth. Post- J \Two nasals Virginia 127 orbitals [one Celuta 129 ., fPostabdom.se. divided... Tantilla 131 ^•^°°t^ 1 " " entire.... Osceola 133 carinated Storeria 135 Family m. — BOrD-SJ. Anteorbitals & / one. superciliaries \ three. Page Loral one 'Wenona...l39 Lorals two Cliarina....l54 Family IV.— TYPHLOPID^. Cephalic plates con- sisting of Page f Fi'ontonasals, nasals, oculars, parietals, and I postparietals Rena 142 Prefrontals, frontal proper, fronto-nasals, nasals, oculars, pre- and supra-oculars, [ and parietals Ophthalinidion...l55 sii INTRODUCTION. Systematic Index of well-ascertained Species or North American Serpents. (7%e new species are indicated hy an asterisk). CROTALtJS, Linn. Page 1. Crotalus durissus, Linn Penna., Louisiana, Mississippi.. 1 2. " adamaiiteus, Beauv South Carolina 3 3.* " atrox, B. & G Texas 6 4. " lucifer, B. & G Oregon 6 5. " confluentus, Say Arkansas, Texas 8 6.* " molossus, B. & G Sonora 10 7. " oregonus, IIoLBR Columbia River 145 CROTALOPHORUS, Gray. 1. Crotalopliorus miliarius, Holbe. ...Georgia, South Carolina 11 2.* " consors, B. & G Texas 12 3. " tergeminus, Holbr Wise. Mich. Ohio 14 4.* " Edwardsii, B. & G Mexico, Sonora 15 5. " Kirtlandii, Holbr Ohio 16 AGKISTRODON, Beauv. 1. Agkistrodou contortrix, B.&G... .Ohio, Penna., S. C, La 17 TOXICOPHIS, Troost. 1. Toxicophis piscivorus, B. & G Louisiana 19 2.* " pugnax, B. & G Texas 20 ELAPS, FiTz. 1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv South Carolina 21 2.* " tenere, B. & G Texas 22 3.* " tristis, B. &G MississiiDpi, Texas 23 EUTAINIA, B. & G. I. Eutainia saurita, B. & G Mass., Penna., N. Y., Mel, Va... 24 2.* " Faireyi, B. & G Louisiana 25 8. " proxima, B. & G Ark., Texas, New Mexico 25 4. " infenialis, B. & G California 26 5.* " Pickeringii, B. & G Oregon 27 6. " parietalis, B. & G Texas 28 7.* " leptocephala, B. & G Oregon 29 8. " sirtalis, B. & G Me., Mich., N. Y., Penna., Md., Va., S. C, Miss 30 9.* " dorsaHs, B. & G Texas 31 10. " ordinata, B. & G Georgia 32 II. " ordinoides, B. & G California 33 INTRODUCTION. Xill 12.* Eutainia radix, B. & G Wisconsin 13.* " elegaiis, B. & G California 14.* " vagrans, B. & G Mex., Cal., Oregon. Page .. 34 .. 34 .. 35 15. 16. Marciana, B. & G. conciuna, B. & G.. .Ark., Texas 36 .Oregon 146 NERODIA, B. & G. 1. Nerodia sipedon, B. & G Mich., Mass., Penna.,N.Y., Md.. 38 2. " fasciata, B. & G South Carolina 39 3. " erythrogaster, B. & G La., S. C 40 4.* " Agassizii, B. & G Lake Huron 41 5.* " Woodhousii, B. & G .Texas 42 6. " taxispilota, B. & G Georgia 43 7.* " Kolbrookii, B. & G Louisiana 43 8. " niger, B. &G Massachusetts 147 9. " rhombifer, B. & G Arkansas 147 10. " transversa, B. & G Arkansas 148 REGINA, B. & G. 1. Regina leberis, B. & G Mich., Ohio, Penna 45 2. " rigida, B. & G Penna., Georgia 46 3.* " Graliamii, B. & G Texas 47 4.* " Clarkii, B. &G Texas 48 NINIA, B. & G. 1.* Ninia diademata, B. & G Mexico 49 HETERODON, Beauv. 1. Heterodon platyrhinos, Late Penna., Va., S. C, Ohio, Miss... 51 cognatus, B. & G Texas 54 " niger, Troost Penna., S. C, Miss 55 atmodes, B. & G Ga., S. C 57 " simus, HoLBR S. C, Miss 59 " nasicus, B. & G Ark., Texas, Sonora, Cal 61 2.* 3. 4.* 5. 6. PITUOPHIS, HoLBB. 1. Pituophis melanoleucus, Holbk... Carolina 65 2. " bellona, B. & G Texas, Cal., Sonora 66 3.* " McClellanii, B. & G Arkansas 68 4. " catenifer, B. & G California 69 5.* " Wilkesii, B. & 6 Oregon 71 6.* " annectens, B. & G California 72 SCOTOPHIS, B. & G. 1. Scotophis alleghanieasis, B. & G... Pennsylvania 73 2.* " Lindheimerii, B. & G Texas 74 3.* " vulpinus, B. & G Mich., Wise 75 2.* 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.* 8. 9.* xiv INTRODUCTION. Pagp 4.* Scotophis confinis, B. & G South Carolina TD 5.* " laetus, B. & G Arkansas "" 6. " guttatus, B. & G S. C, Ga., Miss 78 7. " quadrivittatus, B. & G.... Florida 80 8.* " Emoryi, B. & G Texas 157 OPHIBOLUS, B. & G. 1.* Ophibolus BoyUi, B. &G California 82 splendidus, B. & G Sonora !^3 Sayi, B. & G La., Miss., Ark., Texas 84 getulus, B. & G S. C, Miss 85 rlionibomaculatus,B.&G..Ga., S. C 86 eximius, B. & G Mass., N. Y., Penna 87 clericus, B. & G Va., Miss 88 doUatus, B. & G Mississippi 89 gentilis, B. «& G Ark., La 90 GEORGIA, B. & G. 1. Georgia Couperi, B. & G Georgia 912 2. " obsoleta, B. & G Texas 158 BASCANION, B. & G. 1. Bascanion constrictor, B. & G Penna., Md., Miss., S. C, La.... 93 2.* " Fremontii, B. & G California 95 3.* " Foxii, B. &G Mich., Penna 96 4. " flaviventris, B. & G Texas, Cal 96 5.* " vetustus, B. & G Cal., Oregon 97 MASTICOPHIS, B. & G. 1. Masticophis flagelliformis.B.&G.. .South Carolina 98, 149 2. " flavigularis, B. & G Texas, Ark 09 3. " mormon, B. & G Utah 101 4.* " ornatus, B. &G Texas 102 5. " taeniatus, B. & G California 103 6.* " Schottii, B. &G Texas 160 SALVADORA, B. & G. 1.* Salvadora Grahamias, B. & G Sonora 104 LEPTOPHIS, Bell. 1. Leptophis aestivus, Bell Md.,Va., S. C, Miss 106 2.* " majaUs, B. & G Texas, Ark 107 CHLOROSOMA, Wagl. 1. Chlorosoma vernalis, B. & G Me., Mass., N. Y., Penna., Mich. AVisc, Miss 108 CONTIA, B. & G. l.-» Contia mitis, B. & G Cal., Oregon 110 INTRODUCTION. XV DIADOPHIS, B. & G. Page 1. Diadophis punctatus, B. & G N. Y., Tenna., Ga., S. C, Miss.. 112 2.* " amabilis, B. & G California 113 3.* " docilis, B. & G Texas 114 4.* " pulchellus, B. &G California 115 5.* " regalis, B. & G Sonera 115 LODIA, B. & G. 1. Lodia tenuis, B. & G Oregon 116 SONORA, B. & G. 1.* Sonora semiannulata, B. &G Sonora 117 RHINOSTOMA, FiTZ. 1. Rhinostoma coccinea, Holer S. C, Ga., Miss., La 118 RHINOCHEILUS, B. & G. 1.* Rhinocheilus Lecontii, B. & G California 120 HALDEA, B. & G. 1. Haldea striatula, B. &G Va., S. C, Miss 122 FARANCIA, Gray. 1. Farancia abacurus, B. &G S. C, La 123 ABASTOR, Gray. 1. Abastor erythrogrammus, GRAT...Ga 125 VIRGINIA, B. & G. 1.* Virginia Valerias, B. & G Md., Va., S. C 127 CELUTA, B. & G. 1. Celuta amoena, B. & G Penna., Md., Va., S. C, Miss.. ..129 TANTILLA, B. & G. 1.* TantUla coronata, B. &G Mississippi 131 2.* •' gracilis, B. & G Texas 132 OSCEOLA, B. & G. 1. Osceola elapsoidea, B. &G S. C, Miss 133 STORERIA, B. & G. 1. Storeria Dekayi, B. & G Wise, Mich., Ohio, Mass., N. Y., Pa., Md., S. C, Ga., La., Tex.. 135 2. " occipito-maculata, B. Me., N. Y., Lake Sup., Wise, &G Pa. S. C, Ga 137 xvi INTRODUCTION. ■WENONA, B. & G. Page 1. Wenona plumbea, B. & G Oregon 139 2. '^ isabeUa, B. & G Oregon 140 RENA, B. & G. 1.* Rena dulcis, B. & G Texas 142 2.* " humilis, B. & G California 143 SUMMARY. Genera. Old 13 New 22 Total 35 Species. Old , 65 New 54 Total 119 SPECIES NOT SEEN. 1. ToJiicophis atrofuscus, Troost Tennessee 150 2. Coluber testaceus, Sat Rocky Mts 150 3. " Sayi, Schl Missouri 151 4. " vertebralis, Blainv California 152 5. " (Ophis) californiae, Blainv California 153 6. " (Sacholus) zonatus, Blainv.... California 153 7. " planicep.s, Blainv California 154 8. Charina Bottae, Gray California 154 9. Ophthalmidion longissi- 1 „, . , „ ^ r. c% y Florida.? 155 mum, Bum. & Bibr. J SERPENTS. /fe. ^./--^ ./ Genus C R O T A I. U S,* Linn. ,^rfi^Op0- t^^r Gen. Char. Upper surface of head covered with small plates, scale-like, with a few larger ones in front. The tail is terminated by a well-developed rattle. A deep pit between the eyes and the nostrils. Subcaudal scutellae entire. Temporal and labial shields small and convex. » 1. CrotalMS dui'issus, Linn. — Head angular. Scales between the superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Plates above snout, 2 anterior frontal, and 5 postfrontal. Suborbital chain continuous, of large scales. Two rows between this and labials. Labials 12-14 above, 5th largest; 13-15 below. Scales on the back 23-25, all carinated ; carination on outer row obsolete. Tail black. Above sulphur-brown, with two rows of confluent brown lozenges. Light line from superciliary to angle of the mouth. Be- hind this a dark patch. Stn. Crotalus durissus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 372. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. L, III. 1788, 1081.— Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. IIL 1842, 9. PI. i. — Dekay, New Y. Fauna. Pt. III. 1842, 55. PI. ix., fig. 19.— Stoker, Rep. Kept, of Mass. 1839, 233. Vipera caudisona americana, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II. 1743, 41. PI. Ixi. Banded Rattlesnake. Head above covered with small subtuberculous scales. Supercili- aries large. Anterior frontals large, triangular, emarginated behind to receive a series of three small plates. A single subhexagonal plate between the superciliary and anterior frontal. The exterior plate of the posterior frontal row is much the largest, and is in contact with * The names and characteristics of the higher divisions will be given in the sy- nopsis of species. The figures at the end of the descriptions refer, the Ist to the number of abdomi- nal scutellaj ; 2d, to the subcaudal scutellse ; 3d, to the dorsal rows ; 4th, to thy total length ; and 5th, to the length of the tail. 1 2 CROTALUS. the superciliaries. A series of three or four larger flat scales extends from the posterior extremity of the superciliary. Scales on the cheeks very large, truncate. Anterior orbitals double ; the upper one rect- angular, elongated longitudinally; separated from the nasal by two small plates. General color above, that of roll sulphur; beneath, whitish yel- low. Along the back is a double series of subrhomboidal blotches, looking as if they had been in contact, and then the line of junction partially effaced for the three or four central rows. The impression conveyed of the color of these blotches is that of coarse mottlings of soot or gunpowder grains, more crowded exteriorly. There are twenty-one of these blotches from the head to the anus, the tail being entirely black. The rhomboids are enclosed within about twelve dorsal series of scales. Directly opposite to these spots on each side is a series of subtriangular blotches similarly constituted as to colour, and extending from the abdomen to about the fifth lateral row, and some six or seven scales long. Anteriorly these are distinct from the dorsal series, but posteriorly they are confluent with them, forming a series of zigzag blotches across the body. The scutellre below show more or less of the grain-like mottlings. Posteriorly the yellow of the body is sufi"used with darker. There are no markings of lines distinctly visible on the sides of the head. In the centre of the spaces between the dorsal and lateral series of blotches are indications of small obsolete spots ; and in some cases the yellow scales external to the blotches are of lighter colour than the rest. Huntingdon Co., Pa. 166. 25. 23. 42. 5. D. C. Lloyd. Another specimen has the ground-color darker, more brownish yellow. The markings, however, are on the same pattern, except that the line of junction of the blotches is not so much effaced, and the colors more decided. Lateral row of scales smooth, not cari- ated. Plates of head similar. Fifteen labial plates, fourth upper one the largest. The blotches are nearly uniform umber-brown, margined with darker; the scales external to which are lighter than the ground-color. Lycominrj Co., Pa. 165. 25. 23. 25. Si. S. F. Baird. A female from Huntingdon Co., Pa., has the general pattern of the one last mentioned, but a dark brown tint pervades the whole CRO TALUS. 3 body, and obscures tbe pattern of coloration. External row of scales smooth. The inferior.orbital chain is composed of scales nearly as large as the two next rows. Huntingdon Co., Pa. ? 168. 18. 23. 35. 3J. S. F. Baird. In a specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge, La., the general system of coloration is similar; it differs principally in having a reddish brown strip or tint down the back, for a width of some three scales, extendino- from head to tail. First row of lateral scales smooth. Plates of head as described, except that there are but two plates em- braced between the two postfrontals. The upper jaw pale cream colour, the line of demarcation starting from the anterior canthus, and passing backward to the angle of the mouth, along the edge of the labials, or rather a narrow cream-colored line beginning on the upper labials, at the angle of the mouth, and widening on the fifth plate, encloses the whole anterior portion of the face below the nostrils. The white patch closely mottled with black beneath the eye. A brown patch across and beneath the angle of the mouth, in- terrupted by the white just mentioned. Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 165. 27. 25. Jas. Fairie. Mississippi. Col. Wailes. 2. CrotaltBS adaSManteaiS, Beauv.— Head triangular. Two an- terior frontals, connected -witli siiperciliaries on each side by two large plates : inside of these a second row ; included space filled by small scales. Scales margining superciliaries small ; scattered larger ones toward the centre of the intermediate space. Three I'ows of scales between tbe suborbi- tals and labials. Suborbitals extending to the middle of the orbit. Labials 15 or 16 above ; 1st, 5th, and 7th largest and vertical ; — below, 18 ; 1st, 4th, and 5th largest. Dorsal rows 27 ; outer rows obsoletely carinated. Three or four dark rings on tail. Three series of well-defined perfect rhombs, one dorsal, two lateral, separated by narrolv lines. Light stripe from su- perciliary to 'the angle of the mouth. A second in front of the eye. Stn. Crotalus adamanieus, Beauv. Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. IV, 1824, 368.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 17. PI. ii. C. horridus, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, ii, 1827, 370. Diamond Rattlesnake. Scales on the cheek smooth. Three rather large plates on the edge of the upper part of the head, between the superciliaries and rostral, inside of which is a second row of three, also larger than the rest. 4 CROTALUS. The two lower rows of lateral scales smooth. Third and fourth very faintly cariuated. Scales on the back and sides not conspicu- ously different in size except the lower 2 or 3 rows. Posteriorly, near the tail, all the scales are carinated except the lowest. General color, yellowish gray, with rhomboidal black blotches, lighter in the centre, and with all the angles perfect. Or rather there is a series of dull yellowish lines crossing obliquely from one side of the abdomen to the other over the back, following the oblique series of scales, and occupying generally the posterior half of each scale, the basal portion being black. These lines, of which there are about 36 crossing from each side, from head to tail, (9 on tail,) decussate first on the 5th or 6th lateral row, and then on the back, where they are more or less confluent three or four rows. The rhomboids thus enclosed and crossing the back are generally black for IJ or 2 scales within the yellowish lines, and the most central portion is dark yellowish brown, mottled with darker. The inter- vals on the sides between the lines are mostly dark yellowish brown, minutely mottled with dark brown. These intervals constitute a lateral series of transverse rhomboids, sometimes with the lower angle truncated. Opposite to the dorsal rhomboids is a series of small triangles in the angles of the first decussation. The distance between two parallel transverse stripes generally consists of five rows of scales, occasionally of six. On the sides and posteriorly these markings are more or less in- distinct, though generally recognisable. The tail usually exhibits a good deal of black. The under parts are dull yellowish white, or greenish white, clouded toward the sides with brown. No regular spots visible. The black on the tail does not constitute complete rings, but is interrupted in the middle of the lower surface, and in fact the black patches alternate with each other, and are not opposite. The top of the head is light brown, with occasional black scales. A dull yellowish streak starts at the posterior edge of the supercili- ary plate, and passing obliquely backward, through two rows of scales, extends to the angle of the mouth. A second band starts on the plate in advance of the superciliary, and crossing the anterior orbitals, expands till it involves the 7th, 8th, and 9th upper labials. Inter- val between the first two stripes dark brown. There are also indi- cations of a second vertical light bar in front of the nostril, and two below the pit. Rostral dark yellowish, lighter in the margin. Charleston, S. C. 1G9. 32. 27. 48. 5]. Dr. Barker. CROTALUS. 3. CrotalUS atrox, B. & G. — Head subtriangular. Plates on head ; 2 anterior frontals in contact, between these and superciliaries, on side of the crown, 2 imbricated plates. Space enclosed occupied by smaller scales. Superciliaries bordered by a row of larger scales; the anterior much largest. Three rows of scales between labials and suborbitals. Labials 16 above; 1st, 5th, and 7th largest; — 15 below, 1st and 3d largest. Dorsal rows 25-27: 2 exterior rows smooth. On the tail 3-6 half rings. Color yel- lowish brown, with a continuous succession of dorsal lozenges, sometimes truncate before and behind; intervals all narrow. A single transverse light line on superciliary. Stripe from superciliary directly to the angle of the mouth. General style of coloration somewhat as in C. adamanteris. Ground- color above dull yellowish brown, with a series of subhexagonal patches from the head nearly to the tail, in an uninterrupted series, separated throughout by narrow lines. "We may refer the markings to the intersection of two series of light yellowish lines, about 40 in number, crossing obliquely from each side across to the other, along the anterior half of as many oblique series of scales. The lateral de- cussation is along the sixth row of dorsal scales; on the back, where they cross, the lines are confluent for a breadth of five or sis scales, making a series of transverse lines across the back, truncating the obtuse angles of the rhomboids, which would otherwise be produced. Sometimes the acute lateral angle of the rhomboids are also trun- cated. Laterally, the yellowish lines are more or less obsolete, leav- ing a more or less distinct chain pattern. The rhomboids or sub- rhomboids enclosed have a narrow margin of dark brown, lighter toward the centre. In all cases the interval between the successive rhomboids is but one or two half scales in width. The lateral rhom- boids and triangles referred to in C. adamanteus are indicated by two alternating series of dark brown blotches, the first along the 3d and 4th lateral row, opposite the apices of the rhomboids ; the second along the Gth and 7th, and alternating with the same; the spots occupy one scale, or part of four contiguous ones. Space between these rhomboids and the yellowish lines, dull yellowish brown. Be- neath nearly uniform yellowish, slightly clouded on the sides of the scales. On the tail the blotches are confluent into 3 or 6 dark brown half rings, interrupted on the under surface. General distribution of lines on the head much as in C. adamanteus ; a narrow light line from the posterior end of the superciliary backward, directly to the 6 CROTALUS. angle of the moutli ; a second from tlie anterior extremity, nearly parallel with the first, the two enclosing an indistinct patch, and sepa- rated on the labials by 4J scales. There is also a single narrow light line across the superciliary perpendicular to its length, obsolete in old specimens. It may readily be distinguished from C. o.damanteus by its light color and the truncations of the rhomboids, as well as the general obsoleteness of the lateral markings. The rhomboids are longer in proportion and more rounded. The two lateral rows of scales are smooth, the next two more strongly carinated than in C. adaman- teus. The 5th upper labial is largest, and transverse ; the rest nearly uniform. The stripes on the side of the head are less distinct. From G. conflucntus, it may be distinguished by the greater com- parative size of the interval between the dorsal blotches, especially posteriorly. In G. covjiuentus, there are two light lines across the superciliary plate, dividing it into three sections, the central rather narrower. Here, too, the posterior facial stripe, instead of passing to the angle of the mouth, goes back of it on the 2d row above the labials, in C. atrox, passing directly to the angle of the mouth. Other important distinctions are seen in the narrower scales of G. conjiuentus, &c. From G. hici/er, the more narrow head, fewer and larger inter- superciliary scales, lighter color, arrangement of color along the head, will at once distinguish it. Col. J. D. Graham. » j> }) 4. CrotaiMS Baacller, B. & G. Muzzle broad. Scales between the superciliaries numerous, small, and uniform. Plates on top of bead, 4 pre- frontal, 4 postfrontal, or else irregular. Three rows scales between the sub- orbitals and labials. Labials 16 above ; 1st and 5th largest ; — 15 below. Dor- sal rows 25, exterior smooth, 2d and 3d with obsolete carination. Tail, and posterior portion of body with 16 or 17 half rings. A succession of brown dorsal hexagons or octagons, separated throughout by a narrow lighter line. Light stripe from superciliary crosses the angle of tlie mouth on the od and 4th row above labial. Stx. Crdalus ludfer, B. & G. Froc- Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. YI., 1852, 177 . Indianola. 187. 23. 25. 33. 3i ii 183. 27. 27. 39|. ,41, cc 177. 28. 25. 36. 4| ?' 187. 23. 25. 15f. 11. San Pedro, Texas. 177. 28. 25. 36. 4f CROTALUS. 7 Head very broad anteriorly, outline little tapering. Head above covered with many small tuberculiforra scales, showing a substelli- form radiation. Interval between superciliary plates filled with small scales, nearly uniform in size ; row bordering the superciliaries verj' small. Scales in front of the superciliaries variable : in one speci- men there are two rows of four each, of considerable size ; in another they are larger than the rest, but irregular. Scales on the cheeks large, flat, smooth. Ground-color, light brown above. Along the back a series of subhexagonal or octagonal blotches, formed by a skeleton of dull yellowish, constituting a dorsal chain. The space thus enclosed of the ground-color is margined faintly with dark brown : the width of the interval between the successive blotches is from one-half to one and a half scales. These spots are frequently confluent, two and three running together. Where most distinct the spots are four scales long and eleven wide. On each side of this dorsal series is a second, separated by a single row of scales, the blotches extending from the abdominal scutellse to the 5th or Gth row. These are smaller than the dorsal, and subcircular. Opposite the transverse light bands, and in the open space between four contiguous blotches ou the sides, smaller blotches arc indistinctly visible. Posteriorly, the spots on the back and sides are confluent and darker; in one specimen form- ing 17 half rings, encircling the back, leaving about 24 dorsal blotches. Abdomen greenish yellow, more or less clouded with brown at the bases of the scales. Head dark brown ; a light line from posterior portion of the superciliaries along the 4th row of su- pralabial scales back to the angle of the jaws, on the occiput, where it expands into the color of the under part. Upper labials of the same light color behind, rapidly widening anteriorly so as to include whole front and side of the face, leaving only the top of the head dark. The space about the facial pit darker. The theory of coloration is that of decussating lines, which, when they intersect, unite so as to have the angles of intersection truncated. The species has a general resemblance to C. atrox in the arrange- ment of the blotches, but is darker, and has about 17 dark half rings posteriorly instead of 4 or 5. In G. atrox the head is narrower and more triangular, the space between the superciliaries narrow, and occupied by angulated larger scales instead of small tuberculous ones. In C. atrox, the row bordering the superciliaries is much larger than the rest, and the scales on the top of the head generally more angu- 8 CROTALUS. lated. In C. lucifcr, the line on the side of the head, instead of going directly from the posterior end of the superciliary to the com- missures, passes back nearly parallel to the mouth, crossing along the 4th row of scales above the labial. The second line in front of the eye is much wider below in C. lucifer, and the face generally shows more of white, while the dark portions are much darker. A specimen collected in California by Dr. Leconte resembles this, but owing to the imperfect state of preservation, little definite can be ascertained. The dorsal figures are, however, more in lozenges than in hexagons. Color dark. Size, very large. Oregon. 168. 25. 25. 27f . 3|. (in dep.) Expl. Esped. 5. Crotalus COllfluentus, Sat. Head subtriangular. Plates on top of head squamiform, irregular, angulated, and imbricated ; scales be- tween superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Four rows of scales be- tween the suborbital series (which only extends to the centre of the orbit) and the labials. Labials 15 or 18, nearly uniform. Dorsal series 27-29. Dorsal blotches quadrate, concave before and behind ; intervals greater behind. Spots transversely quadrate posteriorly, ultimately becom- ing 10 or 12 half rings. Two transverse lines on superciliaries, enclosing about one-third. Stripe from superciliary to angle of jaws, crosses angle of the mouth on the second row above labial. Rostral margined with lighter. Stn. Crotalus confluentus, Sat, in Zow^'s Exped. Rocky Mts. II, 1823, 48. C. Lecontei, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1851, 180. This species bears a considerable resemblance to C. atrox, but the body is more slender and compact. Scales on the top of the head anterior to the superciliaries nearly uniform in size. Line of scales across from one nostril to the other consists of six, not four as in C. atrox. Superciliaries more prominent. Labial series much smaller. Upper anterior orbitals much smaller, as also is the anterior nasal. Scales on the top of the head less carinated. Scales between super- ciliaries smaller and more numerous, five or six in number instead of four. Two lateral rows of scales smooth, first, second, and third gradually increasing in size. Scales more linear than in C. atrox. General color yellowish brown with a series of subquadrate dark blotches, with the corners rounded and the anterior and posterior sides frequently concave, the exterior convex. These blotches are ten or eleven scales wide and four or five long, lighter in the centre, and margined for one-third of a scale with light yellowish. The inter- vals along the back light brown, darker than the margins of the CROTALUS. 9 blotches. Anteriorly the interval between the dark spots is but a single scale; posteHorlj it is more, becoming sometimes two scales, where also the spots are more rhomboidal or lozenge-shaped; nearer the tail, however, they become transversely quadrate. The funda- mental theory of coloration might be likened to that of Crotalus adamanteus, viz. of forty or fifty light lines decussating each other from opposite sides; but the angles of decussation, instead of being acute, are obtuse, and truncated or rounded off throughout. Along the third, fourth, and fifth lateral rows of scales is a series of indis- tinct brown blotches covering a space of about four scales and falling opposite to the dorsal blotches: between these blotches, and opposite to the intervals of the dorsal blotches, are others less distinct. Along the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows is a second series of obsolete blotches, each covering a space of about four scales, and just opposite the intervals between the dorsal spots. The dorsal and lower series are separated by an interval of three scales, this interval light brown. Beneath, the color is dull yellowish, and ten or twelve darker half rings are visible on the tail. In point of coloration the principal features, as compared with C. atrox, lie in the dorsal blotches, being disposed in subquadrate spots instead of subrhomboids ; the intervals thus forming bands across the back perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This tendency to assume the subquadrangular pattern has broken up the chain-work into isolated portions, as in Coluber eximius or CrotalopJioriis terge- minus. The intervals of the dorsal blotches are wide and darker in the middle, while in C. atrox they are narrow, not linear, and uni- color. The sides of the head present the usual light stripe from the posterior extremity of the superciliary ; it passes, however, to the angle of the jaw on the neck, along the second row of scales above the labials. A second stripe passes in front of the eye to the labials, widening there. A small light vertical bar is seen below the pit, and another on the outer edge of the rostral. On the supercili- aries are seen two light transverse lines enclosing a space nearly one- third of the whole surface. In C. atrox there is a single median line. Sometimes, as in G. atrox, the single blotches on the nape are replaced by two elongated ones parallel to each other. Red River. 180. 27. 29. 34. 4. Capt. Marey. San Pedro, Texas. 181. 28. 27. Col. J. D. Graham. Bet. San Antonio)^ ^^gS. 23. 27. 27.3. and Ll I aso. ) 10 CROTALUS. 6. CrotalSSS B3:io2ossaiS, 13. & G. Muzzle broad ; rostral small. Scales between superciliaries small, uniform, except the two anteiior. Two frontal plates, four postfrontal. Two inter superciliary, all in contact. Five rows scales between the labials and suborbital row. Middle row, not ex- tending beyond the middle of the orbit. Labials 18 above, fifth and sixth largest ; 17 below. Dorsal rows of scales 29. Two external rows small. Tail uniform black. Color roll sulphur, a series of chestnut -brown transverse lozenges, with exterior corners produced to the abdomen. Centres of lozenges with one or two spots. Each scale but one color. A brown patch below and behind the eye. One of the most strongly marked of all the species. Head very broad in front; outline nearly rectangular. Rostral small. Two anterior frontals ; behind these four plates, the exterior resting on the superciliary; behind these two other plates, between' and in oontact with the superciliaries. Anterior nasal subtriangular. Top of head with numerous smooth subtuberculous scales. Suborbitals large, extending to the anterior canthus. General aspect smoother than in Crotali generally, scales rounded at the posterior apex, carinated but slightly. General color above that of roll sulphur, beneath pale yellowish, posteriorly very faintly clouded with brownish. Tail black. Ante- riorly the scutelljB are entirely immaculate. Along the back is a series of transverse reddish or chestnut-brown lozenges embraced in a width of 12 or 14 scales and 4 or 5 scales long, and with the exterior angles produced to the abdomen. These lozenges are frames with the outline generally one scale in width and with the centres of the ground-color ; sometimes divided by a median line of brown, so as to show two yellowish spots inside of the lozenges. The scales exterior to the lozenges are rather lighter. Sometimes the brown rings and the lozenges widen at the abdomen and indicate lateral spots of four scales; at others, and especially anteriorly, the rings are obsolete, and the brown is in a dorsal series. In fact, for the anterior fourth of the body we have a dorsal patch of brown, showing alternately at successive intervals one large yellowish spot and then a pair of smaller ones, owing to the confluence of the suc- cessive lozenges. The superciliaries and scales anterior to them, as well as a broad patch below and behind the eye, light greenish brown. Tail uniform dark brown above, paler beneath. Only one button with two necks, no rattle. A remarkable character of this species is that each individual CROTALOPHORUS. 11 scale is of the same uniform tint to its base, and not showing two colours as in other species. Fort ^Yehster, St. Rita | ^g^ ^5. 29. 33f 3. Col. J. D. Graham. del Cohre, N. Mex. j Genus CR0T AIi®FM® M US, Gray. >^ ^^r ; Gen. Char. Upper surface of the head covered with nine large plates, as seen in Coluber and allied genera. The tail terminates in a rattle, generally smaller than in Crotalus. A deep pit between the eye and nostril, as in Crotalus. Subcaudal scutellae entire, except a few at the end of the tail, which are bifid. Syn. Crotalophonis, Gray, Ann. Philos. 1825, 205. 1. Cr»talopIlorc5§ niiliai'iMS, Holbk.— Twenty-two or twenty- three dorsal rows of scales, all of wbicli are carinated, the lateral and first row but slightly ; a vertebral brownish red line ; seven series of blotches, one dorsal and three lateral, on each side, the uppermost of which is obsolete and the lowest subject to irregularities. Vertical plate subcordiform, occipi- tal oblong and elongated. A narrow white line commences at the lowest point of the orbit and passes obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth. Stn. Crotalus miliarius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 372.— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. XIII, I, iii, 1788. 1080.— Mere. Vers. Syst. Amph. 1820, 156.— Hakl. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. V, ii, 1827, 370. Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 73 PI. xv. Caudisona miliarius, Wagl. Syst. Amph. 1830, 176. Crotalophonis miliarius, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 25. PI. iv. Vipera Caudisona americana minor. Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 42. PI. xiii. Ground Rattlesnake. Ground-color dark greyish ash, minutely mottled. A series of thirty-eight to forty-five subeircular dorsal blotches extending from head to tail, dark brown, each with a narrow distinct yellowish border. Interval rather narrower than the spots themselves. A broad band of purplish red passes from head to tail, through the blotches. On each side may be distingui.shed three series of blotches, the first on the first and second lateral rows of scales and partly on the abdominal scutellfe. The second alternating with this on the second, third, fourth, and fifth rows of scales, and opposite the dorsal 12 CROTALOPHORUS. series. The third alternating with the second and the dorsal series, on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows of scales. The latter series is dusky and obsolete; the others are uniform and distinctly black. The shape of the blotches is subjected to some variation according to individuals. Generally subcircular or slightly oblong, they become sometimes a transversely elongated quadrangle, three times as long as wide. Their shape varies according to the region of the body on which they are found. On the anterior third they are subquadran- gular, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated ; on the middle region they elongate, and toward the posterior third become nearly circular. Backward of the anus the five or six blotches of that region extend on the sides, without, however, meeting on the lower surface. The blotches of the first lateral row are subquadrangular and a little smaller than those of the second and third rows; the blotches of the second row being transversely oblong and largest on the middle region of the body. Side of the head purplish brown. A narrow distinct white line from the lowest part of the orbit passing obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth. Above and continuous with that white line a deep chestnut-brown vitta is observed, of the same length but broader and lined above with a narrow dull yellowish margin. Two undulated dark-brown vittae extend from the vertex to the first dorsal blotch and confluent with it. A double crescentic blotch is observed on the frontal Scutellae leaving a transversal fulvous band across the head between the orbits. The color underneath is reddish yellow, mar- morated with brownish black blotches and minute dots. The scales are elongated, carinated, and acute posteriorly. Those of the lateral row are slightly carinated also, but narrower than in C. consors, and more acute posteriorly. Libert)/ Co., Georgia. 135. 28+5. 23. Charleston, S. C. 136. 22+11. 22. " 135. 30. 23. " 135.31+5. 22. " 136. 27. 23. " 132. 34. 22. 2. CrotaloplloS'US consors, B. & G. — Twenty-five rows of dor- sal scales, all carinated except the two fii'st rows on either side. Seven series of blotches, one dorsal and three on each side, all very small. A yellowish ^yMte line passing from behind the nostril below and behind the eye. 151. 2i. Di '. Jones. 171. 2f. Dr. Barker. 14J. 11. a 15i. U. (I 13i. If. 11 14. li. (C CROTALOPHORUS. 13 Resembles C. miUarius in its general appearance, but without the vertebral brownish red line. The ground color is olivaceous brown, the blotches of a deeper brown, encircled with a black fillet margined with a whitish yellow line. There are about fifty blotches in the dorsal series emarginated anteriorly only, thirty of which are trans- versely elongated, very irregular ; the twenty remaining ones nearly circular, with regular outlines. The blotches of the lateral rows are comparatively small and of nearly equal size, though sometimes one of either row may appear much the largest. The blotches of the first lateral series are opposite to those of the dorsal and afiect the 1st, 2d, and 3d I'ows of scales and the extremities of the abdominal scu- tella). The blotches of the second series alternate with these, extend- ing on the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows of scales. The blotches of the third series are obsolete and alternate with those of the second series, and are generally opposite to those of the dorsal series situated in the 5th, 6th, and 7th rows. The upper surface of the head is brown ; there are two vittas extending from the vertex alonar the neck to the first dorsal blotch. A broader and deep chestnut-brown band extends from the eye to the neck. The frontal region is deeper brown than the vertex. A yellowish white line starts from the nostrils near the upper surface of the head, extending backward in passing between the eye and the pit to the angle of the mouth. A vertical whitish bar extends from each side of the pit to the labial. The belly is yellowish white marbled with black transversely oblong patches. The vertical plate is cordiform ; the anterior frontal plates proportionally small ; the occipital rather broad. The scales of the body are elongated, a little smaller than in C. miUarius, but not quite so acute posteriorly. The two lateral and smooth rows are much broader than the rest and conspicuous : most of the scales of these two rows are black, with the posterior edge straw colored, giving the appearance of a succession of distinct crescents. The tail is conical and tapering ; the rattle composed of one ring besides the terminal one. Indianola. 147.33.25. 18i. 2^. Col. J. D. Graham. 14 CROTALOPHORUS. 3. Crolaloplioraas tergeJllinilS, Holer. — Twenty-live rows of dorsal scales, strongly cariuated, with the exception of the first row, -which is perfectly smooth. Vertical plate subhexagonal, pointed posteriorly. Seven longitudinal series of blotches. A narrow band of yellowish white extends from the pit to the neck in passing close to the angle of the mouth. Syn. Crotalus tergeminus. Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts. I, 1823, 439. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. v. iii, 1827, 372. Crotalophorus tergeminus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. III., 1842, 29. PI. v. Crotalophoriis, Agass. Lake Sup. 1850, 381. PI. vi. fig. 6-8. Prairie Rattlesnake, Massasauga. The ground color above is brown ; the blotches are deep chestnut- brown blackish externally, and with a yellowish white margin. The dorsal blotches are thirty-four in number from the head to the region opposite the anus, twenty-six of which are transversely and irregu- larly oblong, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated — less so, however, posteriorly ; eight are subcircular. Five or six exist on the tail from the anus to its tip, extending on the sides, the last two forming sometimes a complete ring. The next series on either side is com- posed of small blotches, but as intensely colored as in the other series. They alternate with the dorsal ones. They have no regu- larity either in outline or position. The second lateral row is com- posed of the largest lateral blotches. They are transversely oblong or oval on the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of scales, and opposite the blotches of the dorsal series ; consequently alternating with the third series above. The first lateral series again is com- posed of blotches intermediate in size between those of the third and second series ; they occupy the first and second rows of scales, and extend somewhat to the abdominal scutellje, and alternating with the adjoining series. Two undulated vittae extend from the supraorbital plates along the neck to the first dorsal blotch, and often confluent with the latter. A linear vitta margined with yellowish white extends from the posterior edge of the eye to the sides of the neck; the inferior yellow margin is the broadest, and passes from the pit close to the angle of the mouth, turning forward to the middle of the lower jaw, enclosing a semi-elliptical brown patch. Two elongated yellowish spots may be observed diverging from both sides of the pit to the lip. The cephalic plates are deep chestnut brown ; a transverse light brown band extends across the head from one orbit to the other. CROTALOPHORUS. 15 The color underneatli is blackish brown intermingled with yellowish. Racine, Wise. 150. 21. + !. 25. 29^ 2f. Dr. Hoy. Grosse Isle, Mich. 136. 31. 25. 19f. 2^^ Rev. Chas. Fox. Warren Co., Ohio. 141. 29. 25. 28|. 3f. Dr. J. P. Kirtlaud. 4. CrolalopSaoi'MS Edwaa-nlsii, B. & G. — Twenty-three rows of dorsal scales ; first and second lateral row smooth. Vertical plate subpen- tagonal, tapering posteriorly. Lateral rows of blotches proportionally very small. The ground-color is yellowish brown with three lateral series of deep chestnut-brown blotches. Two elongated brown blotches ex- tend from the supercilliaries backward. A narrow band of chestnut brawn, fi'om the posterior frontal plates, passes over the eyes to the neck, under which a yellowish stripe extends from the nostril to the angle of the mouth. The snout and upper jaw are brown with two yellow fillets diverging from the pit. The lower jaw and chin are mottled with brown and yellow. There are about forty-two dorsal brown and irregular blotches margined with deep black and encircled ■with a yellow fillet, from the head to the tip of the tail — the 34th opposite the anus — the last three passing to the sides of the tail but do not meet below. Subcircular on the posterior half of the body, the blotches on the anterior half are longer transversely than longitudinally; emarginated anteriorly only. The blotches of the two lateral series are proportionally small. The blotches of the upper series are more or less obsolete and alter- nate with the dorsal ones. Those of the second lateral series are the smallest and alternate also, being of as deep a color as the dorsal ones, but do not extend beyond the anus, occupying the second, third, and fourth rows of scales. The first and lower series afi'ect the first and second rows, and only one scale. The belly is of a light straw color, dotted and sprinkled irregularly with brown. Scales elliptical, subtruncated posteriorly, constituting twenty-three rows, strongly carinated, except the two lateral rows, which are smooth. Head, when seen from above, subelliptical ; vertical plate propor- tionally more elongated than in C. terrjeminus. Tamaulipas. 143. 28.+3. 23. 17^.2^. Dr. Edwards. S.Banh of Rio Grande. lb%. 14:. 23. 11. 1|. Gen. Churchill. Sonora. ' 145.26. 23. 8*. li. Col.J.D.Graham. 1Q CROTALOPHORUS. 5. CrotalopSioriis Kirtlandii, Holbr."— Twenty-five rows of dor- sal scales, sometimes only twenty-four, all strongly carinated except those of the first lateral row. Vertical plate rather short and broad. Color in the adult almost uniformly black, with a vertebral series of dusky brown blotches, sometimes very obsolete. Underneath bluish slate, with the pos- terior margin of the scutellse yellowish. Syn. Crotalophorus Kirtlandii, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 31, PL vi. Black Massasauga. The scales of the lateral row are as broad or high as long. Those of the second row are but slightly carinated, and distinguished from the next rows above in being broader and regularly elliptical poste- riorly. The carinated scales are elongated, and the narrowest as they approximate the dorsal region. They are posteriorly rounded or subacute. In the young, eight inches and a half long, the ground-color is brown, with a dorsal series of deep brown spots transversely oblong, emarginated anteriorly and posteriorly, almost quadrangular on the posterior region of the body and tail; and thirty -four in number from head to tail. There are three lateral series of blotches on each side j the upper one composed of small and obsolete blotches, alternating with the dorsal ones ; the second row is composed of vertically oblong blotches, larger than those of the upper, and a little smaller than those of the lower series. The latter extend partly on the abdominal scutellfE, as in C. tei-gemimis and other allied species. Six or seven rings to the rattle. Warren Co., Ohio. 140.21+5.24. 23f. 2 J. Dr. J. P. Kirtland. " 144.19+5.23. 24|. 2f. " « 142.17+3.25. 25. 2^. " " 143.15+9.25. 8i i. " AGKISTRODON. 17 he Genus AGKll^^TRODOIV, Beauv. Gen. Char. A deep pit between nostril and the eye. Nine plates on top of head. Without rattle. Poison fangs as in Crotalus. One pair of occipitals. A loral between the nasal and anterior orbit- als. Labials excluded from the orbit by the presence of suborbital plates. Scales carinated; rows 23 in number. Subcaudal scutellae divided posteriorly. Sometimes a small plate between the vertical and postfrontals. Habits terrestrial. Stn. Agkistrodon, Pal. de Beauv. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. Philad. IV, 1799, 381. 1. Ag'kisfrodon coBilorfrix, B. & G. — Loral present. Labials not entering into the orbit. Dorsal rows of scales 23. Color light chestnut, with inverted Y'Shaped darker blotches on the sides. Labials yellowish white. Stn. Boa contortriz, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 273. — Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1082, Agkistrodon mokason, Beauv. Txans. Amer. Philos. Soc. Philad. IV, 1799, 380. Scy talus cupreus, Rafin. Amer. Journ. Sc. I., 85. — Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 130. Trigonocephalus cenchris, ScHL. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, desc, 1837, 553. PI. XX, fig. 10 and 11. Trigonocephalus contortriz, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 69 PL xiv, and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 39. PL viii. Copperhead. More slender than ToxicopMs pisciovorus. Plates on neck and side smaller. Two anterior orbitals, one above the other, the lower nar- rower, and forming the posterior wall of the pit. A distinct loral between these and the posterior nasal. Labial not forming part of the orbit, but separated by the four post and suborbitals. Labials not so largely developed ; 8 above, 3d and 4th largest ; 9 below. Above light hazel brown, rather brighter on the top of the head, and everywhere minutely mottled with very fine dark points. On each side is a series of 15-26 darker chestnut-colored blotches resting on the abdominal scutella;, and suddenly contracting about the mid- dle of the side, so as somewhat to resemble an inverted Y- These ^OC. i>v lYb "18 AGKISTRODON. blotches extend to the vertebral line, where they may be truncated or end in a rounded apex. Generally those of opposite sides alter- nate with each other, but frequently they are confluent above, form- ing continuous bands. They are so disposed, that the intervals between the successive blotches are pretty much of the same shape and size, though inverted. The centres of the blotches are lighter; in some cases so much so as greatly to increase the Y-shaped resem- blance. Color beneath dull yellowish, with a series of distinct large dark blotches, 35—45 in number, on each side. Chin and throat un- spotted. Sides of head cream color; the line of demarcation very distinct ; this passes along the upper edge of the head, in front of the eye, and involving the lower three-fourths of the orbit, intersects the middle of the 2d postorbital plate, (counting from above,) and ex- tends along the 1st row above the labials, to the posterior edge of the last labial ; the line then comes back through the middle of the lower labial range, where it is marked by a narrow black line. Rostral of the same color. A small areolated dark spot near the inner edge of each occipital plate. Cleveland. ic Foxhurg, Pa. 153. 40+10. 23. 152. 42+10. 23. 152. 32+18. 23. 152.32+18.23. 271. 29. 261 321. 3|. 41. 31. 4*. 3f. Dr. Kirtland. S. F. Baird. a u Carlisle, Pa. (I Charleston. 221. 28^ 2f 4i. II 2-g-. " 150.48. 23. 154. 42. 23. 154.48. 23. 150.40+8. 23. Prairie Mer Rouge,La. 153.40+8. 23. " *' 150.30+18.23. Blotches larger and fewer, about 15 in number, and running more upon the abdomen. Vertical plate larger and more acute posteriorly. Bet. Indianola <^' 1 i r^n o San Antonio. j Sabinal. 150.31+17.23. Hi If. " 24|. 31 20J 201.3 C. Girard, Jas. Fairie. Col. Graham. Toxicornis. 19 Genus TOXIC OPIIIS, Troost. Gen. Char. No rattle. Pit and fangs as in Aghistrodon. Eleven plates on top of head. No loral plate between nasal and anterior orbital. A second and smaller pair of occipital plates contiguous to the first. Labial entering into the orbit. Scales very conspicuously carinated, forming 25 longitudinal rows. Subcaudal scutellas divided posteriorly. Habits aquatic. Syn. ToxicopMs, Troost, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, IH, 1833, 190. 1. ToxicopMs piSCivorus, B. & G.— No loral. Inferior wall of orbit constituted by 3d labial : 25 dorsal rows. Dark chestnut brown, with indistinct vertical dark bars. Line from superciliary along the edge of the head, through the middle of the second supra labial row. A second line from the lowest point of the orbit parallel to the first. Syn. Trigonocephalus piscivorus, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 63. PI. xiii. and 2d ed, III, 1842, 33. PI. vii. Water moccasin. Scales all large and well developed ; those on the sides and back of head conspicuously so. Two nasal plates with the nostril between them. Anterior orbitals two, one above the other ; the upper ex- tending from the eye to the posterior nasal, the lower linear, and forming the upper wall of the pit. Lower and posterior wall of pit constituted by a narrow plate resting along the 3d labial, and termi- nating on the 2d. Third labial very large, constituting the inferior wall of the orbit, of which three scales form the posterior. Upper labials 8, very large and broad : lower 10. Occipitals terminated each by a triangular plate. All the scales on the back of the head carinated. Dorsal scales all carinated. General color dark chestnut-brown, with darker markings. Head above purplish black. An obsolete chestnut-brown streak passes from the posterior end of the superciliary along the upper edge of the head, through the middle of the 2d row of supralabial scales. A narrow yellowish white line passes from the 3d labial, or begins just below the lowest part of the orbit, and passing backward, paral- 20 TOXICOPHIS. lei with the first stripe, crosses the angle of the mouth at the 7th labial, and meets the first stripe on the side of the neck, where it is confluent with the yellowish white of the throat. On the lower labial are three short, nearly vertical light bars, on the 4th, Gth^ and 7th ; the rest of the jaw itself, as well as the interval between the stripes on the sides of the head, dark purplish brown, of which color is also the space in front and below the eyes. General color above dull dark chestnut-brown. On each side a series of 20 or 30 narrow vertical purplish black bars, one or two scales wide. Of these, sometimes two contiguous to each other on the same side are united above into an arch, enclosing a space, the centre of which is rather duskier than the ground-color ; at others, corresponding bars from the opposite sides unite and form half rings, encircling the body. Sometimes there is a lighter shade bordering the dark bars. Be- neath black, blotched with yellowish white. Prairie Mer Rouge. 140.24 + 21.25. 22|. 3j. Jas. Fairie. 2. ToxicopSsis pugnax, B. & G. — No loral plate. Second labial displaced ; 25 dorsal rows. Above olive-brown, with narrow transverse dark zigzag bars. Cheeks uniform light colored. General structure of the plates as in T. ptscivorus. No loral. Second labial pressed out of place, and with its apex alone on the edge of the mouth. Scales of head smaller than in T. piscworus. Outline different. Lower edge of orbit bordered by parts of two labials. General color above light olive-brown ; beneath yellowish, with a series of indistinct square brown blotches on each side; chin and throat unspotted. Tail entirely black. A series of transverse dark brown zigzag lines are seen crossing the back, involving the entire surface of single scales ; these lines are broken up more or less, so as to render the definition of pattern very difficult. Sometimes the band will be indicated merely by a few dark scales on the middle of the back ; at others it may be traced to the blotches on the abdomen. Of these blotches there are about 30 from head to anus. The inter- vals between the bands are much larger than the bands themselves, being from 3 to 6 scales in length. No indication of a dark patch behind the eye, but the cheeks appear yellowish brown, brighter on the labials. ^ 0^ Lidianoh, Tex. 145. 21 -f 21. 25. 30*. 5f . Col. J. D. Graham. % .^^L. /^. rfA/s i^v/'^ ELAPS. 21 Genus EL. A PS, Schn. Gen. Char. Body slender and cylindrical, never exceeding three or four feet in length. Head somewhat depressed, in most cases continuous with the body ; subelliptical in shape, tapering forwards, covered above with plates, generally nine in number. No pit be- tween the eyes and the nostrils. Mouth moderately cleft, not di- latable as in the other serpents. Upper jaw furnished on each side with a small permanently erect fang, situated more posterior than in Crotalidse. The tail is continuous with the body, conical, and taper- ing towards the tip. Scales smooth; subcaudal scutellae entirely bifid. Syn. Elaps, ScHN. Hist. Amph. Nat. & Lit. 1801, 289. 1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv. — Head oval, posteriorly broader than the neck. Body red, annulated with black rings margined with yellow. Verti- cal plate pentagonal, rounded anteriorly ; its posterior tapering part in- cluded between the occipitals. Stn. Coluber fulvitts, Lwn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 881. — Giii. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1104. Vipera fulvia, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 364. Elaps fulvius, Cnv. Rf-gn. Anim. II, 1817.— Fitz. N. Class. Kept. 1826, 61. — HoLBK. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 87. PI. xviii; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 49. PI.X. Harlequin Snake. The red may be considered as the ground-color of the body, though the black rings occupy nearly as much space above as the red, so as to give the general appearance of a succession of red and black rings. The yellow is intermediate. The anterior part of the head from the posterior point of the vertical plate, embracing the orbits, is black, as is also the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring passes across the oc- cipital region down to the inferior surface of the head, embracing the space between the posterior rim of the eye and the angle of the mouth. Then comes a black ring, covering eight dorsal scales, margined pos- teriorly with yellow. From this region to the origin of the tail, the black and red rings from 14 to 19 in number each, alternate, being 22 ELAPS. separated from each other by a narrow band of yellow. The black rings cover seven enth'e scales, and two halves ; the intermediate red space, five entire scales and two halves ; and the yellow either one and two half-scales or two halves only. Some red spaces may oc- casionally cover nine and ten scales. The tail is alternatively black and yellow ; the first caudal ring is black, and embraces ten scales j the second is yellow, and covers three scales. Two black and two yellow succeed and cover the same ground. The tip of the tail is black on five scales. The tip may be either black or yellow, for, according to the size, there are either three or four black rings. Underneath the colors are the same, but dull ; occasionally one or more black rings may not surround the body. The reddish spaces are irregularly blotched with deep black, as also sometimes on the upper surface. Charleston, S. C. 207. 30. 15. 28*. 3*. C. Girard. " 205. 39. 15. 221. 2f . Dr. S. B. Barker. « 209. 37. 15. 17J. II. " 2. £la.ps tenerw, B. & G.— Head narrow, elongated, continuous with the neck and body. jBody fawn-colored, annulated with black and yellow. Vertical and occipital plates narrow and elongated. The ground-color is of a light fawn, dotted with black, annulated with black rings about one-third narrower than the fawn, and with yellow rings about the half of the width of the black ones. The an- terior portion of the head is black, from the posterior rim of the eye across the middle of the vertical plate to the mouth, scarcely afi'ecting the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring embraces the occipital region from the eyes to the angles of the mouth. There are thirteen black rings from the head to the origin of the tail, and twice as many yellow ones, the fawn-colored rings being equal in number to the l)lack ones. The first black ring covers eight scales. The succeed- ing ones cover only sis, and occasionally the half of the next scale. The yellow rings embrace two entire scales and two halves. The fawn-color intermediate covers nine or ten scales, the last but one only seven or eight, and the last five or sis. On the tail the fawn is absent, and two black and two yellow rings alternating cover the whole space. The first of the caudal rings is black, and embraces ten and two half-scales; the yellow coming next, covers four scales; the second black one twelve and two half-scales ; the second yellow also ELAPS. 23 four scales ; the extreme tip of tail is black. Underneath, the color- ation is the same, with less brilliancy ; the f;iwn-colored rings are maculated with black blotches. The proportional difference in width between the colored rings con- stitutes a great difference between this species and E. fulvius. It is a much more slender snake, provided with a more slender head, which imparts to the cephalic plates a more elongated shape, especially to the vertical and occipitals. The eyes also are much smaller. San Pedro of Rio j 237+i ^ , . _. ,-2. 26. 15. 171. 1|. Col. J.D.Graham. Grande. New Braunf els, Tex. 2^0+1.2.^. lb. 26. 2. F. Lindheimer. " 224+1. 38. 15. 22. 2i. " 3. I^liips tristis, B. & G. — Head broad behind, pointed forwards. Vertical plate subpentagonal, equilateral, with its posterior triangular part short and obtuse. Eyes proportionally small. The afl&nities of this species are intermediate between E. fulvius and E. tencrd It has the red-colored ground, annulated with black rings, fourt^n in number, and covering five or six scales above, oc- casionally seven, and only three or four when reaching the outer or lateral rows : thus these rings diminish towards the abdomen. The yellow rings on the other hand have the same width as in E. fulvius, embracing one entire row of scales and two halves. The intermedi- ate red spaces affect six or seven scales, dotted all over with deep black, as in the two preceding species. The tail has four black and three yellow rings, the tip being yellow. The first three black ones embrace nine and eight scales, the fourth only six. The intermedi- ate yeilow cover three or four scales. The shape and structure of the head, as given above, are the pro- minent distinguishing characters. Kemper Co., Miss. 203. 41. 15. 17|. 2^. D. C Lloyd. Rio Grande.W. of ^ ^a -ic iai ii r^ r^^ 1-11 „ , . \ 209. 40. 15. lOJ. li-. Gen. Churchill. A«» Antonio. ) 24 EUTAINIA. '/< .' jLu^ \ ) Genus EUTAIIVIA, Baird & Girar. Gen. Char. Body moderately stout in some species, slenderer in others. Scales carinated. Skin very extensible. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals 1 ; posterior 3. Abdominal scutellae all entire; subcaudal divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19-21. Abdomi- nal scutellae, 140-170. Subcaudal, 50-120. General color, three light stripes on a darker ground, intervals with alternating or tesse- lated spots. Abdomen without square blotches. Mostly terrestrial. Many of the species ovo-viviparous. -I 'MP A. Body very slender, elongated. Tail very long. Lateral stripe ■^ .' jr! on the third and fourth rows of scales. Dorsal rows 19. ,4^>'M< 1. Hutainia ^aurita, B. & G. — Very slender. Color above light chocolate. Three stripes of uniform yellow. Below the lateral stripes, light brown. Abdomen greenish white. On an average the length of tail is more than one-third the total length. Stn. Coluber saurita, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 5.iii, I, iii, 1788, 1109. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 352.— Stoker, Eep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 229.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm. 1842, 115. Leptophis sauritus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 21, PI. iv. — Dekay, New York Fauna, 1842, 47. PI. xi, fig. 24. Riband Snake ; Swift Garter Snake. A broad vertebral line of sulphu. -yellow, occupying one and two half-rows of scales, the line margined for half a scale on each side with black. A lateral stripe on each side along the 3d and 4th rows of lateral scales ; the scales in the exterior edges of this stripe occa- sionally speckled or margined with black. Skin between the scales black, with numerous small yellow lines, half a scale long, seen only in dilating the skin. In some specimens the black shows as a series of lateral spots. The usual double spot on the line of union of the occipitals. Orbital plates yellowish white, as are the lower part and sides of the head and throat. EUTAINIA. 25 In one specimen from Westport, N. Y., there is a well-defined black line under the lateral stripe. Carlisle. 156. 115. 19. 35. 12^ S. F. Baird. a 157. 118. 19. 26f . 9. (I Washington. 157. 118. 19. 32i. 9. (( Westport, iV. Y. — — — u Lancaster, Mass. — — — — (( Virginia. — — c . Sanford. 2. Eutainia. Faireyi, B. & G. — Body above blackish brown, with three longitudinal stripes of uniform tint. Abdomen greenish white. Stouter than U. saurita. Head large. Tail rather less than one-third total length. Syn. Tropidonotus saurita ? Schleg. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, discr, 1837, 321. A dorsal stripe one and two half-scales wide, and one lateral on each side on the 3d and 4th row, of the same color, (greenish yellow.) Scales broader and more rounded than in E. saurita ; head stouter, color different. Differs from E. proxima, in having all the longitu- dinal stripes of the same color ; from E. saurita in a stouter body, and in having the color, below the lateral stripe the same as that above. Body slender, but stouter than in E. saurita. The tail is propor- tionally shorter than in E. saurita, but longer than in E. proxima. Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 178. 115. 19. 30 J. 10. Jas. Fairie. " " 174.114.19. 261:. 8. « * « 168. — 19. 29. — li {( 3. £utaillia proxima, B. & G. — Body stoutest of the division. Black above ; three longitudinal stripes, the dorsal ochraceous yellow or brown, lateral greenish white or yellow. Total length about three and a half times that of the tail. Syn. Coluber proximus, Say in Long^s Exped. to Rock. Mts. I, 1823, 187. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 353. Deep brown almost black above and on the sides ; beneath green- ish white. Dorsal stripe on one and two half-rows of scales, ochra- ceous yellow, lateral stripe on the 3d and 4th rows of scales, greenish yellow or white, markedly different in tint from the dorsal. Sides 26 EUTAINIA. of abdominal scutellae, and 1st and 2d dorsal series of the same color as the back. On stretching the skin, numerous short white lines are visible. Occipital plates with two small approximated spots on the line of junction. Orbitals whitish. The greenish white of the ab- domen becomes more yellow anteriorly. In some specimens from along the Rio Grande the dorsal stripe is ochraceous brown. Head more like that of E. saurita than of E. Fcdreiji, while the body is stouter than in either. The subcaudal scales are less nume- rous than in the other two allied species. Resembling E. Faireyi in color, it is always distinguishable by the stouter body, fewer caudal scales, and dissimilarity of color in the longitudinal stripes. Red River. New Braunfels, Texas. Near Indianola. San Pedro, Texas. Sahinal, Neio Mex. 3Iedina, New Mex. 170. 100. 19. 33. 9. 1 McClellan. 171. 100. 19. 25J. 1\. F. Lindheimer. 170. 105. 19. 151. ■^- Col. Graham. 178. 108. 19. 19. O4 . u 169. 105. 19. 14. 4. a <( B. Body stouter. Tail shorter. Lateral stripe on tJie 2d and 3d row 0/ scales. 1. Dorsal rows 19. 4. Ulutaillia illfernalis, B. & G. — Most slender of all the species of the section. Head and eye large. Above black: a series of about 110 triangular reddish yellow spots, confluent with the indistinct lateral stripe, itself confluent with the greenish white sides and abdomen. Syn. Coluber infernalis, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 59. PI. xxvi, fig. 3 & 3a. Aspect colubrine, as indicated by Blainville. A vertebral line of yellowish white, composed of one and two half-rows of scales, on each side of which is a blackish stripe, not encroaching upon the light colored stripe along the 2d and od lateral rows of scales. Above the latter the black is interrupted by about 110 subtriangu- lar spots of reddish yellow or reddish white. Abdomen and exterior row of dorsal scales are greenish white, tinged posteriorly with slate. A minute black spot, more or less covered by the incumbent scutellge EUTAINIA. 27 on each side of eacli abdominal scale, near the extremity. No occipi- tal spot. The exterior row of dorsal scales is earinated, and larger than the rest, which are about equal. The scales of the slender tail are like- wise earinated. A specimen collected on Sacramento River by the Exploring Ex- pedition is smaller, but very similar. As usual in small specimens, the black is in the form of isolated spots, confluent above, with an olivaceous brown ground. California. 163. 83. 19. 25 J. 6*. Dr. Wm. Gambel. Sacramento River. 170. — 19. 13 f. 3*. (ondep.) Expl. Exped. 5. Eutalnia PicKermg-ii, B. & G.— Body slender. Black above, slate-color beneath. Lateral stripe irregular, confluent with the light-colored intervals between the dark spots. This species exhibits great variations in color, principally in re- gard to the amount of black on the abdomen and the extent of the stripes. The most strongly marked specimen is of an intense black, tinged with bluish below. There is a very narrow greenish white vertebral line, beginning at the nape, where it occupies one and two half- scales, and gradually narrows to the carina of the middle dorsal row, becoming obsolete at the anus. The carinfe of the 2d and 3d rows of exterior dorsal scales show the faint line of greenish white, only perceptible on close observation. The lores, labials, cheeks, and head beneath, greenish white, gradually shading into the blue- black of the abdomen at or about the anterior fifth. Puget Sound, Or. 158. 73. 19. 26:}. 6 J. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. In another specimen, with the general color very dark, the verte- bral line occupies one and two half-scales throughout. The black on each side appears formed by the confluence above of about 76 spots from head to anus, each spot from IJ to2 scales lotig. In other words, there is a stripe of black 3 J scales wide on each side of the vertebral line, confluent with which is a series of black spots on each side, as indicated. The lateral stripe is on the 2d lateral row of scales, of a greenish white color, and confluent with the intervals of the spots also of the same color. The stripe is not well defined, but swells and narrows like a knotted cord. Exterior row of dorsal 23 EUTAINIA. scales and sides of abdomen deep blue-black, becoming greenish to- ward the middle of the abdomen ; anteriorly the color shows more white. Puget Sound, Or. 170. 86. 19. 18. 4i. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. In other specimens the lateral lines are better defined, though al- ways more irregular than usual. Sometimes the color above is more brown than described ; inferiorly, however, there is always a slate- blue tint, especially behind. Puget Sound, Or. 166. 87. 19. 21}. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. « « . 161.75.19. 26. 5 In this species the inequality between the exterior dorsal row of scales and the rest is inconspicuous. The former is rather the larger, and little or not at all carinated. The second row is about the same size as the rest. The eyes are larger, and the head shorter than iu E. leptocepliala, from the same locality. Collected by the United States Exploring Expedition, and dedi- cated to the discoverer, Dr. Charles Pickering. 6. Eutainia parietalis, B. k G.— Above olive-brown: beneath slate-color. Longitudinal stripes greenish. Spaces about and between the dark spots on the sides, brick red, these colors belonging to the skin, not to the scales. Syn. Coluber parietalis, Sat, in Long^is Exped. to Eock. Mts. I, 1823, 186. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 349. Body apparently more slender than E. sirtalis. In many respects resembling E. Fk-keringii. The only specimen being a stretched skin preserved in alcohol, the colors are somewhat difficult of definition. Above dark olive, beneath light slate-color, except the inferior sur- face of the head, which is yellowish white. A broad longitudinal dorsal line of one and two half-rows of scales, and an equally dis- tinct one on each side on the second and third dorsal rows, of a greenish slate. The sides of the abdomen and the exterior dorsal row are dark slate-brown. When the skin is stretched, there are seen on each side, between the dorsal and lateral rows, two rows of quadrate black blotches, the first quite distinct, between the third and fiixth rows ; the second between the sixth and vertebral line, the spots EUTAINIA. 29 more or less confluent above with each other, and with those on the opposite side; the blotches about one scale apart. The intervals between the blotches of a vivid brick-red, which color, as well as the black, is sometimes seen on the bases of the adjoining scales. None of the short white lines of E. sirtalis are visible. More or less of white on the inferior surface of the tail. The color when living, as described by Say, is black-brown above, beneath bluish green, head beneath white. A vertebral greenish yellow line, and a lateral pale yellow one : about eighty concealed red spots or semifascise on the skin and lateral margin of the scales. Betic. San Antonio 8r El Paso. Ibl. IS. Id. 36. 8 J. Col. Graham. T. Eutainia leptocephala, B. & G.— Scales on the greater portion of tail scarcely carinated. Tlie two exterior dorsal rows on each side unequal, but conspicuously larger than the rest ; outer one not cari- nated. Head slender, plane above. Orbitals 3 posterior; 2 anterior. Above light olive-brown, with distinct small brown spots, 130 in a series from head to anus. Exterior row of dorsal scales broader than usual, not carinated; second smaller, but also broader than usual, and faintly carinated. Top of head nearly plane from occiput to anterior frontals. Head narrow and depressed. Eyes small. Labials narrow. Scales on sides of anus not conspicuously smaller. Color dull light olive-brown or light chocolate, beneath pale green- ish slate : when the epidermis is removed, the subjacent skin of the abdomen is seen minutely punctured and clouded with black, so as to impart this latter color to the whole, except near the edge. A ver- tebral dull yellowish line on a single row of scales which appears more prominent than the rest. On each side of this vertebral line are two series of subquadrate black spots, about 130 from head to anus, on about every other scale, or even closer, and showing very conspicuously on the clear ground-color. Bases of all the scales on the sides of the body are more or less black, occasionally showing beyond the incumbent edges. Little or no indication of a lateral stripe. The lower series of black spots is continued in a faint line along the side of the head to the orbit. In one specimen the color- ation is less defined, showing a greenish white color above, with tessel- lated small spots of black. > 30 EUTAINIA. Puget Sound, Or. 146. 59. 19. 16. 3tV (( 11 149. 66. 19. 23*. 5. a 11 144. 63. 17. 17J. 4|. a ii 148. 19. 20. 4. (on dep.) Expl. Esped. u « 8. Eutainia Sirtalis, B. & G. — Body among the stoutest of their form. Olivaceous brown above the lateral stripes, sometimes nearly black, beneath them greenish white ; dorsal stripe narrow, encroached upon by the spot; lateral stripes not conspicuous ; two or three rows of small indistinct spots, often not perceptible, especially the lower: about 70 from head to anus. Stn. Coluber sirtalis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 383.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1107.— Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 352.— Stoeer Rep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 221. Tropidonotus bipunctatus, Schl. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 320. Tropidonotus sirtalis, Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 41. PI. xi. Tropidonotus tasnia, Dekay, New Y. Fauna, Kept. 1842, 43. PI. xiii, fig. 27. Striped Snake. Garter Snake. Color above the lateral stripes dark olive, in old specimens dark brown, beneath greenish white. A narrow, rather indistinct verte- bral greenish yellow line. Three series of small indistinct spots on each side, of about 70 from head to anus. The first series is along the exterior dorsal row, the spots about two scales apart. This is sometimes entirely wanting. The second series is on the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows from the abdomen ; the third upon the 8th and 9th. In many cases the last-mentioned rows have the spots on opposite sides more or less confluent, giving the appearance of a single median series. These rows of spots are sometimes of a dark chestnut-brown, at others nearly black, and often so blended with the olivaceous of the back as to be scarcely discernible. Numerous short white lines visible on stretching the skin. Although the 1st, 2d, and 3d exterior dorsal rows of scales are colored like the abdomen, yet a lighter shade on the 2d and 3d gives indication of a lateral stripe. The bases of the abdominal scales on each side near the outer ex- tremities have a black blotch. There is also the usual double spot on the occiput, not areolated. The dark spotting on the sides be- longs more or less to the skin between the scales, in some cases merely tinging the edges of the latter. 'TV/Lt'-J^TvoVi^^ t t ; » ; liMMkcL :CA*%^ ir 4- ft » t A'Krv T-, «. * ' ft .. .. 1) If I i> /^ /^ /^ /? ' 19 n If n n li / ^i .s-7 /H 66 yy u ^,7 31 Hough. . Baird. u u i( a li as. Fox. ii II Girard. !aldwell. ennerly. (( a ^ Baird. li (I (I Barratt. s Paine. !. Lloyd. *, Force. e dorsal •k spots, exterior md very or dark J. Baird. s. Outer pe broad, •ipe. led, and 1 side for 1 and 3d ■pace be- 30 Puget Sou u u U II S. Euf: form. 01i-\ beneath the spot; later spots, often anus. Stn. C( ed. xiii, I, 352.— Stob TropidoTK Tropidom Tropidom Striped S Color a brown, be bral green each side, the exteri sometimei and 5th r( In many < sides more series. I at others the back ; visible on Althou; colored lil indication The ba: treniities ; on the oc longs moi merely tii EUTAINIA. 31 St.LawrenceCo.,N.Y. Ibl.— 19. 15. 3i Dr. Hough. Westport, K T. 151. 80. 19. 21. 5i. S. F. Baird. AdirondachMts.,N.Y.UQ.— 19. 24 i. — " « 151. — 19. 20i — " « 148. — 19. 14^ — « Summerville, N^. Y. — — — — — " Iladrid, iV. Z _ _ _ « Grosse He, Mich. — — — Kev. Chas. Fox. a (( u U (C (I Androscoggin, Me. 155. 66. 19. 21 J. 4i. C Girard. Portland, Me. — — — Prof. Caldwell. Clarke Co., Va. 151. — 19. 26. — Dr. Kennerly. « 160. 56. 19. 18i. 3|. " « 145. — 19. lOf. 2J. " Centreville, Md. 151. 75. 19. lOi. 2 J. S. F. Baird. Foxhurg, Pa. 150. 70. 19. 24. 5|. " " 147. — 19. 18. 4. " Carlisle, Pa. _ _ _ « Abheville, S. C. 155.— 19. 11 J. 3. Dr. Barratt. Anderson, S. C. — — — — — Miss Paine. Eemper Co., Miss. ' 139. 60. 19. 29i. 6. D. C Lloyd. " '138. — 19. 11 J. — " Washington, D. C. — — — Col. P. Force. A very old specimen from Westport, N. Y., (?) has the dorsal line more conspicuous, but still encroached upon by the black spots, (on the exterior half-row.) Bases of all the scales in the exterior row black. Lateral stripe and exterior row bright yellow, and very conspicuous, brighter than the dorsal stripe. Ground-color dark brown. Westjyort, N. Y. ? 145. 64. 19. 34. 7. S. F. Baird. 9. Elutainia ": .- H^ median plate, either in contact with the frontals or separated by small plates. Frontals in two pairs. Nasals two/ Loral one or two/ Dor- /h^Jj^ sal rows of scales 23-27, carinated. Abdominal scutellae 125-150, J ^ l> ttf ^ posterior bifid. Subcaudal scutellse all bifid. Colors light, with dorsal and lateral darker blotches, or else brown, with dorsal transverse light bars. Sometimes entirely black. The species exhibit a very threatening appearance when alive, in flattening the head, hissing violently, &c. but are perfectly harmless. Syn. Heterodon, Pal. de Beauv. in Latr. Hist. Nat. des Kept. IV, 1799. , A. Azygos behind the rostral, in direct contact with the frontals. 1. Ileterodon platyrllillOS, Latr. — Occipitals and vertical longer than broad, about equal in length. Centre of eye anterior. Dorsal rows 25, all carinated, the outer sometimes smooth. Keels of the scales extending to their tips. Scales on the back quite linear anteriorly, posteriorly they are much broader. Color yellowish gray, or brown, with about 28 dark dor- sal blotches from head to anus, and 15 half-rings on the tail. One or two lateral rows. Beneath yellowish. A dark baud across the forehead in front of the vertical, continued through the eye to the angle of the mouth. Syn. Coluber heterodon, Davd. Hist. Nat. Kept. VII, 1799, 153. PI. Ix. fig. 28.— Say, Amer. Journ. of Sc. I, 1818, 261.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 357; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 120. Heterodon platyrhinos, Latr. Hist. Nat. Rept. IV, 1799, 32, fig. 1-3. — HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1828, 97. PI. xxi ; and 2d ed. IV, 1842, 67. PI. xvii. Hog-nose Snake ; Blowing Viper. 52 HETERODON. Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind; longer than broad; angles all distinct, lateral outlines straight. Postfrontal large, the lateral angle extending down to the loral; the two postfrontals separated anteriorly by the azygos or postrostral. Prefrontals smaller, entirely separated by the azygos. Ptostral with the out- line spherical angled, subacute at the apex, its upper surface com- pressed into a sharp ridge, which, prolonged backwards between the nasals and the prefrontals, connects with the azygos. This is linear, subpentagonal, acute-angled behind, where it wedges between the postfrontals. Superciliaries large. Scales behind the head distinctly cariuated. Eye large. Line connecting tip of rostral with the postinferior corner of the last labial passes over the lower part of the eye. A triangular nasal, with the corners rounded, joined by its apex to the exterior angle of the postfrontals. Nostrils valvular, situated entirely in the posterior nasal, the anterior edge formed by the anterior nasal. Labials 8 above, 6th largest, the 3d to the 6th in contact with the suborbitals : two large temporal shields above the three posterior labials. Centre of the eye anterior to the middle of the chord connecting the apex of rostral and posterior end of labials and over the middle of the 5th labial. Outline of upper jaw convex. Lower labials eleven. Body stout and short. Tail very short, and rapidly tapering, rather thicker than the thinnest part of the body. Dorsal rows 25. Scales all distinctly carinated, (including those on the back of the head,) except the outer row, which is either perfectly smooth, or pre- sents very obsolete carination. The ridges on the 2d row much less distinct than the rest. Color reddish brown above, with dark blotches. A series of 28 quadrate, dorsal, uniform black blotches from head to anus, each from 2 to 3 scales long, and 7 to 9 wide, separated by regular brown- ish yellow intervals of 1 J to 2 scales. The blotches anteriorly are nearly square, posteriorly they are transversely elongated. Opposite the intervals, and, indeed, bounding them on either side, is a second series of small circular blotches on the 4th to the 8th lateral rows, and separated only by a narrow interval from the corner of the dor- sal blotches. Sometimes there are faint traces of small blotches be- tween the upper lateral series. Intervals between the lateral rows of blotches yellowish or reddish brown, darker than those on the back; outer dorsal rows greenish or yellowish white. On the tail there are 15 black half-rings, interrupted on the subcaudal scutellai, HETERODON. 53 the scales on the tall larger than on the greater part of the body. In young specimens is distinctly visible a second series of still smaller blotches, below the one just mentioned, there being two of these op- posite each one of the former, and placed on the 2d, 3d, and 4th exterior rows. Beneath greenish yellow, with obsolete greenish brown blotches, indistinctly visible through the epidermis, some- times more conspicuous in young specimens. There is a transverse black or dark bar on the forehead, crossing the posterior half of the postfrontals, involving only the anterior edge of the vertical, and the anterior corners of the superciliaries. Behind this a dark patch, with its anterior margin a little back of the middle of the vertical, and involving the adjoining margin of the superciliaries and occipitals, together with the greater portion of the occipitals ; sometimes with a light spot in the middle : the light space included between the two patches appears to extend continu- ously backwards to the neck; above a dark vitta from the back part of the orbit to the posterior labial, itself a continuation of the frontal vitta. An elongated narrow vertebral spot behind the junc- tion of the occipitals, and generally isolated from them, on each side of which is a similar patch widening behind. This species is subject to great variations of color. Sometimes the sides of the dorsal blotches pass insensibly into the ground-color, so as to become transverse bands. At others they are light internally, with a narrow margin of black. Occasionally there is much black on the abdomen (in young specimens). The ground-color varies from gray to bright yellow, and sometimes even red. It may also happen that, by the confluence and extension of the darker margins, we have light bars on a dark ground, as on a specimen from the Scioto valley, Ohio, where, with the other characters similar, the color is of a dark brown above and on the sides, with transversely quadrate brownish ash-colored spots along the back, some one and a half or two scales lone, 9 or 10 wide, and at intervals of about three scales. Of these spots there are 28 from head to anus, and about 9 on the tail, where they form half rings, with intervals a little larger than them- selves. Carlisle, Pa. 129+1. 53. 25. " 123+1. 49. 25. Clarke Co., Va. 143 + 1. 46. 25. '< 127+1. — 25. Anderson, S. C. — — — 28. 6. S. F. Baird 24J. 5. ^i 19. 2i-. Dr.C. B. Kennerly 11. 2 li Miss C. Paine 54 HETERODON. Misdssippi.1 135+1.51.25. 10. IJ. Dr.B.F.Shumard. " ? D.C. Lloyd. SciotoYallcy,01uo.U^+\.^b.1b. 26. 4. | ^ x°^*^5-\ ^ (. Dr. J. P. Kirtland. 2. Il-eterodon COg'na.tus, B. & G. — Vertical longer than occipi- tals. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25 ; outer smooth; next scarcely carinated. Scales of the rest vrith keels extending to their tips. Scales broader than in preceding. Disproportion between scales of the back, before and behind, not conspicuous. Light chestnut, with 20 yellow blotches from head to anus, and 9 on the tail. Beneath yellow. Vertical plate pentagonal, elongated. Frontals moderate, of nearly the same length. Azygos rather broad, similar in its relations to that of H. jilati/rhinos. Rostral quite fully developed. Occipitals small, less than in IT. platyrhinos. Scales back of head distinctly carinated. Centre of eye above the middle of the 5th labial. Orbital chain of 10-11 plates. Loral rather large, triangular. Nasals moderate. Labials 8. Penultimate rather longer than high. Scales diminishing in width towards the back, although not be- coming as linear as in H. platyj-hinos. Scales on the hinder part of back scarcely wider than those in front. Color above light chestnut, with transverse, sometimes more or less oblique, dorsal bars between the 7th exterior rows. These bars are bright yellow, tinged with brown in the centre, and with a darker marginal shade of the ground-color. Of these bars there are 28, from head to tail, the 20th opposite to the anus, each about ten scales long, about nine broad, and separated by intervals of from four to six scales. The proportional difference between the two colors in the tail is much as in JI. platyrhinos. Color beneath clear dull yellow. Exterior dorsal scales mottled brownish yellow, more or less spotted and margined with brighter yellow. On separating the skin a dark spot is seen at each end of the dorsal patches, between and around which the color is yellow. Head olivaceous yellow, with the usual markings of the genus obsolete. An elongated black patch behind the angle of the jaws on each side. Somewhat similar to H. platyrhinos, but the scales anteriorly are wider, nor is there that disproportion between the scales on-the back before and behind. The occipitals are shorter. From H. atmodes, the narrower intervals between the caudal light band, the scales cari- HETEKODON. 55 nated on the back of head as well as elsewhere to the tip, the more prominent rostral, (the line from the tip to the lower posterior angle of the last labial passes over the eyeball,) &c. will at once distin- guish it. A much mutilated, but much lai-ger specimen from New Braunfels agrees with this, although the rostral is proportionally less ; in other characters it is very similar. The intervals between the light bars, and the sides at their extremities are, however, much darker. A small specimen from Indianola has much the same distribution of color as described in the young H. plati/rhinos. The principal dif- ferences are seen in the larger head, stouter body, shorter occipitals, narrower dark line across the superciliaries and vertical, broader scales anteriorly, &c. The ground-color is mottled chestnut, with subquad- rate brown blotches, indistinct at the outer edges, a circular dark spot opposite each light dorsal interval, like the dorsal series surrounded by a lighter areola ; beneath each dark spot a pair still smaller. Below greenish white, blackish posteriorly, with narrow blotches of black in front. Distinct patch from eye to the last upper labial. Indianola. 130+1. 58. 23. 26. 6. Col. J. D. Graham. " 129+1.51.25. 11.2. " New Braunfels, Tex. 124+1.56.25. 27.6. F. Lindheimer. 3. Meterodosi lllarer, Troost. — Vertical plate as long as the oc- cipitals. Rostral prominent. Dorsal rows of scales 25, the exterior smooth, the 2d row obsoletely carinated, the rest with the scales distinctly carinated, the carina extending quite to the tip. Uniform black above, slate-color beneath. Stn. Vipera nigra, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 44. PI. xliv. Scytah niger, Daud. Hist. Nat. Kept. V, 1799, 342. — Haul. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 367 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 130. Coluber cacodemon, Shaw, Gen. Zool. Ill, 1802, 377. PI. cii. Coluber thraso, Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 120. Heterodon niger, Tkoost. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, III, 1836, 186. — ? HoLBE. N. Amer. Herp. 1st ed. II, 1838, 105. PL xxiii ; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 63. PI. xvi. Black Viper ; Spreading Adder. Postfrontals large, extending to the loral. Prefrontals smaller. Azygos rather large, separating the prefrontals entirely, and the postfrontals anteriorly: in a line with the rostral. Ptostral 56 HETERODON. broad. Keel acutely distinct. Scales on the back of bead keeled, though obsoletely in those next to the occipital plates. The line from tip of snout to lower angle of posterior labial, crosses the lower part of the eye, whose centre is a little in advance of the middle of this line. Orbital chain of 9 plates. Loral triangular, truncated above. Nasals rather large, less developed than in H. jjlait/i-Jmios. Upper labials 8 ; 3d-6th in contact with suborbitals. Centre of eye above the juncture of the 4th and 5th. Scales distinctly carinated, except the outer row, which is smooth, •and the second, on which the carination is very obsolete, sometimes quite smooth. All the scales diminish gradually to the back, where they are quite linear ; posteriorly, however, they are broader. Color above and on the sides entirely dull black, beneath rather light slate-color, shading into milk-white on the chin and on the edge of the upper labials. The exterior rows of scales shade gently from the color of the back to that of the belly. The Heterodon niger bears quite a close relationship in the cha- racter of the plates and scales to H. 2}^at>/rhinos, from which the principal difference lies in the color. Although this species greatly resembles in color the black variety of H. atmodes, they may be readily distinguished. The rostral of H. niger is well developed, high, broad, and with the dorsal carina acute and well marked. The carination on the scales back of the head is delicately distinct, as also upon the other scales, the keel extending to the very tip. The scales on the back are linear and narrow, but become much broader in pro- portion towards the tail. The occipitals are longer, and the head in front of the eye longer in proportion to the part behind it. No bands evident, even obsoletely. The other differs in all these respects: rostral low, and the keel more rounded; scales on back shorter, and anteriorly rather broad, and the disproportion with those posteri- orly much less conspicuous; carinre not extending to the tip; faint bars seen indistinctly across the black of the back, &c. Carlisle, Pa. ? 140+1. 49. 25. 36. 6. S. F. Baird. Specimens from the South differ simply in being rather darker on the sides and beneath. Abbeville, S. a 145+1. — 25. 26. — Dr. J. B. Barratt. Kemper Co., Miss. 126+1. 53. 25. 28. 5f . D. C. Lloyd. HETERODON. 57 4. Ilelerodon afuiotles, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer than oc- cipitals, -which are small, and as broad as long. Azjgos in contact with the frontals. Rostral low, obtuse, and very little prominent. Eye more an- terior. Dorsal rows 23 or 25. Outer row smooth, 2d and Sd very obso- letely carinated. Scales broader, smoother, and more rounded than in n. platyrliinos. Keel not extending to the tip. Black, with 18 transverse yel- lowish bands on the body, and 7 on the tail ; the dark intervals much broader than the light bands, sometimes entirely black. Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind, and more elongated than in H. platyrliinos ; lower than the occipitals. Postfrontals large, extending down to the loral. The anterior frontals rather larger than in H. i-)latyrhi7ws, separated by the azygos and rostral. Rostral small, moderately recurved, much smaller and less conspicuous than in H. platijrhinos. Superciliaries long, narrower than in H. plcity- rhinos. Scales on back of the head broad, flat, carination very obso- lete. Imaginary line connecting tip of rostral, and posterior angle of last upper labial passes entirely below the eye, whose centre is an- terior to the middle of this line. Eye large, its centre above the middle of the 4th labial. Loral nearly square, rather narrower above. Nasals small, which with the less development of the rostral brings the eye more forwards. Labials 7 above. Owing to a greater development of the suborbital series, (of 9 plates,) the labials are lower than in M. platyrJunos. The posterior upper angle of the 2d labial, as well as the 3d, 4th, and anterior upper angles of the 5th, are in contact with the suborbitals. The difference from H. platy- rliinos in this respect is caused by the much greater size of the 2d or 3d labials, the first being much smaller than all the rest. Dorsal rows of scales 23; exterior smooth, 2d and 8d very obso- letely carinated, rest of scales more so, but in all cases less distinctly than in II. j^laty rhinos. The keel on each scale does not extend to the tip, but becomes obsolete at a point from the tip of one-half to one-fifth of the length ; while in S. jolatyrhinos it extends very nearly, if not entirely to the extreme tip, especially on the back. The scales also are broader and more oval. The tail is slenderer and more tapering than in H. platyrliinos, and is not as thick as the posterior part of the body. Color above lustrous pitch-black, crossed by 18 transverse light yellow bands, from head to anus, and 7 on the tail ; sides mottled with black and yellowish. Beneath yellowish, blotched with black. 58 HETERODON. The pattern of coloration is probably similar to that of H. platy- rhinos, except that the outer edges of the dorsal blotches are canfluent with the irregular markings of the sides, instead of being quite dis- tinctly defined. Occasionally black blotches opposite the transverse light marks are evident. The light bands are sometimes interrupted and sometimes oblique ; their extent is about the same as in H. platp-Mnos. The black intervals between these light bars are much longer than in H. platyrTiinos, occupying from 5 to 6 scales anteri- orly, and on the tail from 6 to 7. The light bands may have been orange in life. On the side of the head is a broad distinct black stripe from the posterior part of the eye to the posterior end of the truncated last labial, and continuous with an obscured black band across the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals. Lower jaw and sides of head blotched with black. Georgia. 131+1. 56. 23. 25. 5J. Prof. C. B. Adams. A young specimen, apparently of this species, has the head much more depressed than in individuals of H. platp'liinos of the same size. The general color above is lead-gray, with transverse bands of lighter gray on the back, margined by dark chestnut, which shades gradually into the gray. The other features are well preserved, except that the rostral, as usual in young specimens, is higher. Charleston, S. C. 137+1. 54. 25. 12 J. If. Dr. S. B. Barker. Another larger specimen has the lateral spots rather more distinct. The dorsal bands are pale rose-color, (in alcohol). It agrees in the shorter occipitals, smaller number of bands, less carinated scales, lower rostral, &c. Charleston. 141+1. 49. 25. 17. 2f . C. Girard. A large specimen from Charleston agrees in its external anatomy, but at first sight appears entirely black above, and of an irregular slate-color beneath. On a closer examination, however, the trans- verse bands are obsoletely visible, especially towards the tail. Traces of the markings on the head may likewise be distinguished. Per- haps often confounded with the true //. niger. Charleston, S. G. 137+1. 53. 23. 26. 4}. Dr. S. B. Barker. HETERODON. 59 B. Azygos plate hehi.nd the rostral separated from the frontah hy small jilatcs. 5. Heterodoii siuius, Holbr. — Vertical plate as broad as long, much longer tlian the occipitals. Rostral broad and high. Azygos encir- cled by five or eight small plates. Mouth very short. Dorsal rows 25, the three or four externals smooth. Dorsal series of 35 blotches, with one to three other series on each side. Abdomen yellowish, scarcely maculated. A narrow black band across the forehead in front of the vertical, and pass- ing through the eye across one labial to the angle of the mouth. Stn. Coluber simus, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xii, I, 1766, 216. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1086. JTeterocIon simus, Holbr. N. Amer Herp. IV, 1842, 57. PI. xv. Heterodon plalyrhinos, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 97. PI. iii, figs. 20-22. ? Vipera capite viperrens, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 56. Tab. IvL Hog-nose Snake. Vertical plate sublieptagonal, sometimes nearly triangular ; with three sides anteriorly, the lateral against the postfrontals, the middle against the azygos plates, the sides very obtusely angled. Superci- liaries rather short, broad. Occipitals very short, almost as long as broad. Postfrontals moderate, the exterior angle scarcely reaching the angle of the loral; the two separated by three small plates pos- terior to the azygos. Anterior frontals not much smaller. Azygos plate resting anteriorly against the rostral, and touched by the inner angle of the prefrontal : there is a small plate on each side, between it and the notch at the junction of the anterior and postfrontals, while behind, the space between it, the postfrontals, and the vertical is occupied by the three small plates already mentioned. This azygos is thus surrounded on the sides and posteriorly by five small plates, (this number is sometimes greater). Rostral broad and high, much recurved. Eyes moderate, situated posterior to the centre of im- aginary line connecting the last labial and rostral, which would pass nearly through its centre. Loral subtriangular, acute above, scarcely reaching to the exterior angle of the postfrontal, a small plate some- times intervening. Nasal plates rather short and high ; nostril oc- cupying most of the posterior one, its infero-anterior wall constituted by the first labial, its lower by a small plate. Labials 7 above ; in- creasing very rapidly from the diminutive first; 5th and Cth largest; 60 HETERODON. all much higher than broad. Lower labials 9. Curve of upper jaw very convex and short. Scales back of the head short, curved, obsoletely carinated. Dorsal rows of scales 25, outer rows smooth, sometimes only three, the cari- nation slight, increasing to the medial row. Scales shorter and broader than in the other type, becoming narrower on the back; those behind rather narrower than before. Body contracted at the anus, then expanding or swelling on the tail, which is thick through- out, tapering suddenly at the tip. Scales on the tail longer and broader than those of the upper part of the body in front ; carination not very distinct, inferior three rows truncated behind, especially the highest. A dorsal series of transverse black blotches, 35 from head to tip of tail, the 27th opposite the anus. These are sometimes oblique, but ge- nerally transverse, and with the anterior and posterior margins paral- lel : they are about 9 scales wide, and three to four long, with light brownish yellow intervals one or one and a half scales wide. On each side, and opposite the intervals, is a distinct series of subquad- rate or circular black spots on the 6th-9th rows, not touching those on the back, and between them a dusky shade opposite the dorsal spots. Below these again are usually two smaller blotches to each spot. Intervals between the spots mottled yellowish brown. Beneath yel- lowish, with obsolete small brown blotches. On the tail there are 9 half-rings, rather wider than the light intervals, and somewhat con- tracted above. A narrow black line crosses the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals, and just margining the vertical; this passes through the centre of the eye, and is continued to the postlabial. A medial patch of black expanding behind, starts from the commissure of the occipitals, from which plates others, one on each side, pass across the angle of the jaws, the three confluent with the dark color in the occi- pitals. In H. plati/rMnos this medial patch is isolated, and not in contact with the occipital one. Charleston, S. C. 117 + 1.35+9.25. 18. 3 J. C. Girard. Some specimens from Abbeville, S. C, vary in having the rostral separated from the prefrontals by two or three small plates, and the azygos entirely cut off from the frontals by intervening plates. The lower wall of the rostral is constituted by two small plates : there is a second small plate above the loral ; in fact a general tendency to HETERODON. 61 break up into small plates. The markings on the back are restricted to a dorsal series, with a dusky shade opposite, and a lateral series opposite the light yellowish intervals ; the ground-color of the sides a quite uniform yellowish brown. Specimens from Mississippi have the dorsal spot smaller and nearly circular. Abbeville, S. a 130+1. 55. 27. Ibh If. Dr. J. B. Barratt (I 119+1. 46. 25. 19. Sh (( (( 130+1. 32. 25. 14^. If. ee « 132+1. 30. 25. 12. u. <( Mississippi. 132+1. 34. 25. 16. 2. Dr. B. F. Shumard a 132+1. 39. 27. 14. 2. (( 6. Ileterotlon nasicus, B. & G. — Vertical broader than long. Rostral excessively broad and high. Azygos plate surrounded behind and on the sides by many small plates (12-15). A second loral. Labials short and excessively high. Dorsal rows of scales 23, exterior alone smooth. A dorsal series of about 50 blotches, with four or five others on each side. Body beneath black. A narrow white line across the middle of the superciliaries ; a second behind the rostral. A broad dark patch from the eye to the angle of the mouth, crossing the last two labials. Stn. Heterodon nasieus, B. & G., Reptiles in Stanshiiry's'Ex^l.YaXiej of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 352. Vertical plate very broad, subhesagonal. Occipitals short. Rostral very broad, high, more than in the other species, outline rounded. The interval between the opposite frontals, the rostral, and the ver- tical occupied by a number of small plates, from 10 to 12, or more, arranged without any symmetry, on each side and behind the small azygos. The base of the rostrals between the opposite anterior nasals, is generally margined by these small plates, which some- times, too, are seen between the vertical and the anterior portion of the superciliaries. This crowding of plates causes the anterior part of the forehead to be broader than in H. simus. Eye small, its centre rather posterior to the middle of the imaginary line connecting the tip of rostral with the lower angle of the postlabial, which line scarcely crosses the eyeball. Orbital plates, 10-13 in number. Loral triangular, rather longer than high, separated from the frontal by a small plate. Nasals rather short, occasionally with the lower part of the nostril bounded by a small plate. Labials 8 or 9 above, all of them higher than long; indeed, their vertical extension is 62 HETERODON. much greater than in any other species : the 6th highest, centre of eye over the junction of the 5th and 6th. Dorsal rows of scales 23, outer row smooth, rest all distinctly cari- nated, the keels extending to the ends of the scales; those just be- hind the occipital plates truncated, with obsolete carinte. Scales on the hind part of the body rather broader and shorter than anteriorly; the inequality scarcely evident in large specimens. Ground-color light brown, or yellowish gray, with about 50 dorsal blotches from head to tip of tail; the 39th opposite the anus. These blotches are quite small, rather longer transversely, subquadrate, or rounded, indistinctly margined with black, (obsoletely on the out- side); they cover 7 to 9 scales across, are 2 to 2 J long, and sepa- rated by interspaces of IJ scales, which are pretty constant through- out, though rather narrower on the tail. On each side of the dorsal row may be made out, under favorable circumstances, four alternat- ing rows of blotches ; the first on the contiguous edges of the scales of the first and second exterior dorsal rows ; the second on the scales of the 3d row, and the adjacent edges of those in the 2d and 4th ; the third on the scales of the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and the adjacent edges of the 3d and 7th ; and the fourth on the scales of the 6th, 7th, and 8th rows, and the adjacent edges of those of the 5th. This last is opposite the intervals of the dorsal series ; the rest alternate with it. The central inferior surface of the abdominal scutellre is black, sharply variegated with quadrate spots of yellowish white ; the portion of the scutellaj entering into the side of the body is yel- lowish white, with that part opposite the dorsal intervals dark brown, thus, in fact, constituting a fifth lateral series of blotches, alternating with the lowest already mentioned. The throat and chin are un- spotted. The head is light brown, with a narrow whitish line finely margined before and behind with black, which crosses in front of the centre of the vertical, and through the middle of the superciliaries : a second similar but more indistinct line runs parallel to this, just behind the rostral, and extending down in front of the eye. A third equally indistinct and similar line crosses the posterior angle of the vertical, and runs back on the side of the neck, behind the labials and temporal shields. There is a broad brown patch from the back part of the eye to the angle of the mouth, across the penultimate and last labial. The coloration is thus very diff"erent from that of 11. simus, where there is a distinct narrow black band across the foi'e- lisad scarcely involving the vertical, and passing through the eye to HETERODON. 63 the angle of tlie mouth across the last labial. Behind this a much broader yellowish band, continued without interruption into the neck behind the angle of the mouth. In 11. nasicus the most conspicuous feature is a narrow white band, much narrower than the darker patch before and behind it. The dark patch, to the angle of the mouth, is much broader, continuous as it were, with the broad bar between the middle and anterior light lines, which corresponds with the nar- row black line of H. simus. The other distinguishing features are evident. The three dark patches behind the head are much as in H. simus. In the larger specimens from Sonora and the Copper Mines, the ground-color is yellowish gray, each scale minutely punctate with brown. The blotches are all obsolete, only one dorsal and two lateral on each side being defined by darker shades. The blotches on the sides of the abdomen are wanting, but the black in the middle is strongly marked. The other characters, however, are preserved, except that the exterior row of dorsal scales is more or less carinated. Rio Grande. 138+1. 45. 23. 7f. U. Gen. S. Churchill. RedRiver,Ark. 148+1.40.23. 12. U. { ^'^^'cLtlZ*^ Ft.Webster Santa | ^ ^^ ^S. 21. 2h Col. J. D. Graham. Rita del Gohre. ) Sonora, Mex. !l50+1. 39. 23. 24. 3. « A specimen from California has the rostral rather less developed, and four irregular plates on top of head. The coloration differs in having the light transverse intervals between the dorsal blotches narrower, especially posteriorly. California. 137+2. 48. 23. 22}. 4. Dr. Wm. Gambel 64 PITUOPHIS. Genus FITIJOPHIS, Holbr. Gen. Char. Body subcylindrical, deeper than wide, attaining often a considerable size. Head elongated, ovoid, in some instances narrow anteriorly. Vertical plate elongated, sometimes as broad anteriorly as long. Superciliaries large, subtriangular. Posterior frontals two pairs, an internal and external, both elongated. Pre- frontals subquadrate. A small loral. Postorbitals three or fourj anteorbitals generally two, occasionally only one. Temporal shields very small, resembling the scales. Cleft of mouth curved. Dorsal rows of scales 29-35, variable in some species; those on the back carinated, on the sides smooth. Abdominal scutellce 209-243 ; posterior large and entire. Subcaudal scutellge all bifid. Ground-color whitish or reddish yellow ; a triple series of dorsal black blotches, those of the medial series the largest; several series of smaller blotches on the flanks. Abdomen unicolor or ma- culated, with an outer row of blotches. Head of the same color as the body, maculated with black spots. A narrow band of black across the upper surface between the eyes, and a postocular vitta on each side, extending obliquely from the eye down to the angle of the mouth. A black vertical patch is often seen beneath the eye. Syn. PituopMs, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7. PityopMs, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181. ChurcMUia,* Baird & Girard, Reptiles in Stansburt/'s Expl. of the valley of the Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350. * The species upon which the genus ChurcMUia was established, exhibits in the structure of the cephalic plates the remarkable character of having a small median plate in advance of the vertical, limited on each side by the external, and in front by the internal postfrontals. This character, together with the presence of two anteorbitals and four postorbitals, one more on either side than in Pituopliis me- lanoleucvs, the only species then known, appeared a sufficient generic character. Since the discovery of several other species, in which there are two anteorbitals and four postorbitals, with the structure of the cephalic plates similar to what they PITUOPHIS. 65 1. PituopIliS lsielailoleMCHS,HoLBR.— Head ovoi^, broad behind. Aiiteorbital 1 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 29, the four outer rows smooth, 5th, 6th, and 7th with an obsolete keel. Tail about i of total length. Head maculated with black ; an oblique vitta from the orbit to the 7th labial. Color of the body whitish, with a dorsal series of very large blotches, the 24th opposite the anus ; anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated on the anterior third of the body, oblong posteriorly. Elongated smaller blotches on the flanks, forming three indistinct series, often confluent. Ab- domen unicolor. A series of 20-29 distinct blotches along the extremities of the scutellis. Syn. Coluber melanohiicus, Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. VI, 1799, 409. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 359; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 122. PituopMs melanoleucus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7. PI. i. Pine Snake, or Bull Snake, Bartram, Trav. in Carol., Geo., and Florida, 1791, 276. Head robust, conical. Vertical plate subpentagonal, broad an- teriorly. Occipitals a little larger than the vertical, and as broad anteriorly as long. Internal postfrontals elongated and subtriangu- lar; external postfrontals polygonal. Prefrontals quadrilateral, se- parated by the rostral. Eostral narrow, very convex, raised above the surface of the snout, and reaching the internal postfrontals. Nasals very large, anterior one the larger. Nostrils vertically ob- long, situated in the middle and between both plates. Loral ovoid, small, horizontal. One large anteorbital, with its anterior margin convex, of the same width above as below. Three postorbitals, proportionally large. Temporal shields small, six or nine, or more. Upper labials 8, 7th largest, 4th coming into the orbit. Lower labials 14, 5th and 6th largest, the five posterior ones quite small. Posterior pair of mental shields one-third of the size of the anterior pair, and reaching backwards to opposite the middle of the lower 6th labial. Tail conical and tapering, forming about the seventh of the total length. The ground-color, when living, is said to be white ; as preserved ia alcohol it is yellowish brown. The head is maculated with small black spots; frontal bar rather wide; postocular vitta broad. A dor- are in P. melanoleucus, we deem it expedient to place Chnrchillia hellona in the genus PituopJiis. One might well have been familiar with the reptiles of North America described before 1851, and not be prepared to identify species presenting the characters just alluded to. 66 PITUOPHIS. sal series of very large blotches, of a deep chestnut-brown, broadly margined with black anteriorly and posteriorly. These blotches are 24 in number from the head to opposite the anus, and 6 on the tail, where they extend laterally down to the subcaudal scutelljB. More or less confluent, and consequently irregular in shape on the anterior third of the body, they are posteriorly subround or sub- quadrate, emarginated in front and behind, and separated from each other by a light space embracing four scales, whilst the blotches them- selves cover six scales. The flanks are blotched but very irregularly; on the anterior region of the body the blotches elongate in the shape of longitudinal bands or vitta^; on the middle region three indistinct series may be traced, alternating and often confluent by their corners ; posteriorly there is only one series opposite to the dorsal, and often confluent with it, so that the corresponding blotches form single patches, extending from the back to the abdomen, and tapering on the sides. The abdomen is dull yellow, with a series of distant blackish brown patches along the extremity of the scutellje, often extending to the outer row of scales. Carolina. 216. 60. 29. 55|. 8. (on dep.) Acad. Nat. Sc. 2. PituopIliS IjellOBia, B. & G. — Head elliptical, rather pointed. Vertical plate very broad anteriorly. A second anterior vertical, small, and subcordiform. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal rows of scales 31-35; the seven outer rows smooth. Tail about y'j of total length. Head macu- lated with black ; transverse frontal bar extending from one orbit to the other, well marked ; the oblique postocular vitta rather narrow, and reach- ing the angle of the mouth. Color of the body whitish yellow, sometimes reddish yellow, with a dorsal series of deep black blotches, or of deep brown, margined with black, 51 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail, and a series of smaller spots on each sides. Ten transverse jet-black bars on the tail. Flanks crowded with small and irregular blotches. Abdomen dull yellow, maculated with black blotches more or less crowded. Stn. Churchillia bellona, B. & G. Reptiles in Stansbury's Expl. Valley of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350. Pituophis aftnis, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181. Head broad behind, and well separated from the body by a con- tracted neck, very much tapering to the end of the snout, subquad- rangular from the eyes forwards. Upper surface flattened, snout elevated and rounded. Occipital plates triangular, as broad anteri- PITUOPHIS. 67 orly as loug. Superciliarics longer than either the vertical or oc- cipitals. Vertical subpentagonal very broad anteriorly, as broad as long, and very much tapering posteriorly ; its sides concave. The second small subcordiform anterior vertical is situated between the external postfrontals, which are comparatively the larger. Internal postfrontals irregularly triangular, and smaller than the prefrontals, which are irregularly quadrangular. The rostral is proportionally narrow, and raised above the surface of the snout, not reaching, how- ever, the internal postfrontals. Nasals subquadrangular, anterior one a little larger; nostrils situated between the two plates, but more in the posterior one. Loral very small, narrow, and elongated, hori- zontal in position. Two anteorbitals, inferior one very small ; upper one very regular, slightly convex on its anterior margin. Postorbitals four in number, occasionally only three, the two upper ones a little the larger. Numerous small temporal shields. Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th somewhat larger. Lower labials 13, 7th largest; the six posterior ones the smallest. Dorsal scales elliptically elongated, con- stituting 31-35 rows, the seven outer of which are smooth, the others carinated, the five outermost very sensibly the larger. The ground-color is whitish yellow : on the anterior third and upper part of the body, the bases, and sometimes the two anterior thirds of the scales $re jet black, so as to make the ground-color appear black. There are 61 large chocolate-brown dorsal blotches, margined with jet black from the head to opposite the anus, and 10 on the tail. On the anterior portion of the body these blotches are subcircular, or rather elliptical, covering in width seven or eight rows of scales, and four and two half-scales in length ; the spaces between embrace about two scales. Posteriorly the blotches be- come quadrate, and the intermediate spaces increase so as to be at first equal to the blotches, and towards the origin of the tail they are actually wider by one scale than the blotches themselves. On the tail the blotches assume the shape of narrow transverse bars, taper- ing downwards. On each side of the dorsal blotches is a series of much smaller and somewhat irregular blotches, margined with black, the blotches being opposite to the light spaces, alternating, but not con- fiuent with the medial blotches. On the anterior third of the body a series of small blotches is observed on the flanks, and beneath it, a series of elongated black patches, all of which exhibit a tendency to become obsolete vertical bars, more apparent posteriorly in very large individuals, giving to the flanks a nebulous appearance. The head 68 PITUOPHIS. above is yellowisli brown, with small black spots on the vertex and occiput. Frontal black bar distinct in small individuals, obsolete in large ones ; postorbital vitta narrow ; suborbital spot small. In- ferior surface of the head and abdomen light straw-color, with an ex- ternal series of distant black spots on each side, confluent under the tail, and constituting a medial band. Betw. San Antonio ) & El Paso. j Rio Grande. 231. 53. 33 F't Webster, Santa Rita del Cohre " 225. 63. 31. 39. 5i Sonora, Mex. 222. 60. 29-31. 23|. 4^ California. 226. 58. 31 228. 44. 33. 61|. 5f . 611. 5f. ^^""I 225. 63. 31-33. 44i. 6J. 3. ) 45f, 5|. Col. J. D. Graham. Gen. S. Churchill. Col. J. D. Graham. a Dr. W. Gambel. 3. Pitssopliis McClellanii, B. & G. — Head subelliptical. Rostral plate very narrow. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal 33-35 rows ; the 7 outer rows smooth. Tail forming ^ or J^ of total length. Postocular vitta brown, and rather broad. Suborbital black patch conspicuous ; com- missure of labials black. Color of body reddish yellow, with a series of 53 blotches from head to origin of tail. Blotches of adjoining series, on either side, confluent across the light spaces between medial blotches. Flanks covered with small blotches, forming 3 or 4 indistinct series. Twelve trans- verse jet black bars across the tail. Abdomen yellowish, thickly maculated with black patches. Head proportionally large, ovoid, detached from the body. Snout pointed. Occipital plates small. Vertical broad, subpentagonal, slightly concave on the sides. Superciliaries large. Internal postfront- als rather narrow, elongated, external postfrontals quadrilateral, a lit- tle broader forwards. Prefrontals irregularly quadrangular. Rostral very narrow, extending halfway between the prefrontals, convex and raised above the surface of the snout. Nostrils in the middle line between the nasals, the posterior of which is a little the smaller. Loral trapezoidal, proportionally large. Inferior anteorbital very small, resting upon the fourth upper labial. Postorbitals varying in comparative size. Temporal shields small, resembling scales. Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th the larger. Lower labials 12, 6th and 7th largest. Posterior mental shields very small, extending to op- posiie the junction of the 7th and 8th lower labials. Scales propor- PITUOPHIS. 69 tionally small, in 33-35 rows, the 7 outer ones perfectly smooth and somewhat larger than the remaining rows. Ground-color yellowish brown, with three series of dorsal black blotches, 53 in number, from the head to opposite the anus, with 12 on the tail, in the shape of transverse bars. Those of the medial series the larger, and covering 8 or 9 rows of scales. On the anterior part of the body they are subcircular, embracing longi- tudinally four scales ; posteriorly they become shorter by one scale. The light spaces between are a little narrower than the blotches themselves for the twelve anterior blotches, and wider than the blotches for the remaining length of the body. The blotches of the adjoining series alternate with those of the medial series, being oppo- site to the light intermediate spaces, across which the blotches of either sides are generally united by a transversal narrow band. The flanks are densely covered with small and irregular blotches, forming three indistict series, confluent in vertical bars towards the orifin of the tail. Inferior surface of the head yellowish, unicolor. Abdo- men dull yellow, with crowded brownish black blotches in series on the extremity of the scutella3. Red River, Arh. 231. 52. 35. 38^-. 4i. Capts. Marcy&McClellan. " 231. 52. 33. 24J. 2|-. « 4* Pituoplsis catewifer, B. & G.— Head subelliptical, flattened above. Vertical plate elongated, nearly equilateral, posterior triangular portion excepted. Rostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral trapezoidal, proportionally larger tlian in other species. Dorsal rows of scales 31 ; the 4 external rows smooth. Tail forming about j of the total length. Frontal black bar conspicuous. Postocular vitta of a jet black, reaching the angle of the mouth between the penultimate and last upper labials. Color of body grayish yellow, the triple series of dorsal black blotches, 61 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail, forming a continuous chain all along the back, owing to the confluence of the lateral series of small blotches with the large medial series, with which they alter- nate. A series of proportionally large subcircular blotches along the mid- dle of the flanks. Middle of the abdomen unicolor, with an external series of black spots on each side. Syn. Coluber catenifer, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834. PI. xxvi. figs. 2, 2 a, 2 b. Head siabelliptical. Vertical plate maintaining its width posteri- orly. Superciliaries proportionally large. Occipitals very much 70 PITUOPHIS. dilated anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Prefrontals proportionally small, subcircular. The nasals are nearly equal in size, and the nostrils open between their commissure near the edge of the pre- frontals. Rostral proportionally broad, even with the surface of the snout. Loral small, subelliptical and oblique. Two anteorbitals, the upper one very large, the lower one small, resting on the fourth upper labial. Three postorbitals of nearly the same size. The temporal shields, ten to twelve in number, are slightly larger than the contiguous scales. Upper labials 8, 7th the larger. Lower labials 12, 5th and 6th largest. Posterior mental shields very nar- row, extending beyond the 6th lower labial. Dorsal scales narrow and rather acute, constituting 31 rows, the outer one of which is con- siderably the larger. Tail very tapering. Ground-color above fuscous, with a triple series of black blotches along the back, 78 in number, the 61st opposite to the anus; 17 on the tail. The blotches of the medial series are proportionally very large, quadrangular, longer than broad, covering six rows of scales, and the half of the adjoining rows, embracing longitudinally five or six scales. A narrow light space of one scale exists between each blotch. The adjoining series is composed of much smaller blotches, alternat- ing and covering three rows of scales confluent with the middle ones, thus forming a continuous chain on the back, and enclosing entirely the light spaces between the blotches. A series of subcircular or oblong blotches runs conspicuously along the middle of the flanks, on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th rows of scales. These are 88 in num- ber, the 71st opposite to the anus, and 10 along the anterior half of the tail. The five first blotches are elongated, and exhibit a tend- ency towards forming a vitta or band. From the middle region of the body to the tail, two obsolete series of very small blotches are seen alternating with the series of the flanks, one above and one below. The abdomen is yellowish, unicolor, except a series of blotches on the extremities of the scutellae, extending sometimes to the outer row of scales. >S'a?i Francisco, Cal. 230. 71. 31. 35. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. PITUOPHIS. 71 5. Pitliophis Williesii, B. & G.— Head elongated, conical for- wards. Vertical plate pentagonal, much broader anteriorly than posteri- orly. Eostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral trapezoidal. Dorsal rows of scales 29-31 ; three outer rows smooth. Tail ^ or -]- of total length. Frontal black bar well marked. Postocular vitta extending over the last upper labial to the angle of the mouth. Color of body whitish yel- low on the sides, reddish yellow above, with a dorsal series of subquadrate blotches, 70 in number, from the head to origin of the tail, and proportion- ally smaller than in any other species. The blotches of the two adjoining series not confluent with those of the medial one. Head elongated, subelliptical, subpyramidal, or subconical anteri- orly. Occipital plates much longer than broad, longer than either the vertical or superciliaries. Vertical pentagonal, concave laterally, tapering ; length greater than the width of its anterior margin. Ex- ternal postfrontals sometimes divided into two plates, one of which has been called upper loral. Internal postfrontals elongated, very narrow posteriorly, sometimes also subdivided. Rostral broad, not separating the prefrontals. Nasals equal in size ; nostrils intermediate and nearer to the frontals than labials. Loral not very large. In- ferior anteorbitals small, and situated between the 4th and 5th upper labials. Postorbitals nearly equal in size, and generally contiguous to the anterior ones, »thus excluding the labials from the orbit, into which, however, the fifth occasionally enters. Temporal shields scarcely to be distinguished from the scales. Upper labials 8 or 9, 4th or 5th occasionally coming into the orbit, penultimate the largest. Lower labials 12 or 13, 5th or 6th the largest, the six posterior ones very much reduced. Dorsal scales elliptical, forming 29-31 rows, the three outer rows perfectly smooth, slight carinai on the 4th, 5th, and 6th rows, and not very conspicuous on the remaining ones. Tail conical and tapering. Ground-color yellowish, with a dorsal series of subquadrate blotches, about 90 in number, 20 of which on the tail. These are deep brown, margined with black anteriorly, entirely black posteriorly ; these blotches cover transversely 8 or 9 rows of scales, embracing longitudinally five to seven scales on the antei-ior region of the body, and two or three posteriorly. The spaces between the blotches are of the uniform width of one scale for the whole length of the body, decidedly narrower than in other species. A lateral series of blotches on each side of the medial, covering three rows of scales, and alter- 72 PITUOPHIS. nating •witli the medial series. A series of blotclies along the middle of the flanks opposite to the blotches of the medial series of the back. On the anterior part of the body the lateral blotches are elongated, and occasionally combine into a band or vitta behind the neck. On the anterior third of the body, an indistinct series of black spots may be seen between the scutellas and the outer series of lateral blotches. Inferior surface of head and abdomen dull yellowish white, with two series of distant blotches, the outer series more conspicuous than the inner one, and extending to the end of the tail. In the young the middle region of the abdomen is unicolor, and the external series of spots only exists, which, together with the series on the middle of the flanks, are most conspicuous. Puget Sound, Or. 215. 56. 29-31. 39^. 5|. (ondep.) Expl. Exped. " 209. 72. 29-31. 41|. 7|. " Oregon. 209. 66. 29. 14i 1\. « " 213. — 29. 13i. II. « 6. PituopSiis ailllCCtens, B. & G. — Head elongated, elliptical. Vertical plate subpentagonal, elongated, posteriorly obtuse, with sides con- cave. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 33, 5 outer rows smooth. Triple series of dorsal blotches confluent for nearly the whole length of the body. Difi"ers from P. catenifer in having much smaller dorsal blotches, and more interspaced. The fifteen anterior blotches of the three dorsal series almost united in a transverse or oblique band, ante- riorly and posteriorly irregular. The blotches on the flanks are also proportionally smaller than in P. catenifer. From P. Wilkesii, which it resembles in the small size of the blotches, it differs by a more coni- cal head, a narrower and longer vertical plate, and a rostral reaching higher up on the snout. The loral and superior anteorbital are quite large, and the lower anteorbital very small. In one specimen we have noticed 5 postorbitals, the 5th contiguous to the lower ante- orbital, thus constituting a continuous chain beneath the eye. Dor- sal scales in 33 rows, the 5 outermost perfectly smooth. San Diego, Cal. 243. 71. 33. 28|. 4i|. Dr. J. L. Leconte. SCOTOPHIS. 73 Genus SCOTOPHIS, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Foi-m colubrine. Body cylindrical, yery long — many individuals attaining a very large size, perhaps the largest of all North American serpents. Head elongated, rather narrow. Vertical plate very broad, sometimes wider than long. Posterior frontals very large. Postorbitals 2 ; anteorbitals one, generally very large ; the longitudinal extension of this and of the postfrontals pro- ducing a much elongated muzzle. Mouth deeply cleft, outline nearly straight. Dorsal rows of scales 23-29 ; those along the back slightly carinated (9-15 rows), on the sides smooth. Abdominal scutellae from 200 to 235; posterior bifid. Subcaudals all bifid. Color brown or black, in quadrate blotches on the back and on the sides, separated by lighter intervals. Abdomen usually coarsely blotched with darker. In one species dark stripes on a light ground. Although very large and powerful, many of the species of the genus are characterized by their extreme gentleness, rarely becoming en- raged, even when prJvoked. 1. vScofopllis alleg'liailiesisis, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer than broad. Posterior upper labial largest. Outer 7 rows of scales smooth. Dorsal rows 27. Abdominal scutellse 235. Color black below, mottled anteriorly with white. White edges to some scales, imparting an appear- ance of dorsal and lateral blotches, especially in the young. Syn. Coluber alleghaniensis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 111. PI. xx; and 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 85. PI. xix.— Dekat, New York Fauna. Kept. 1842, 36. PL xii, fig. 26. Anterior frontals larger in proportion than in ^S'. Lindheimerii. Superciliaries subtriangular. Upper labials 8, increasing behind ; posterior the largest. Lower labials 11, 5th and 6th largest, de- creasing posteriorly. Nostrils more in the anterior nasal. Outer seven rows of dorsal scales smooth, then an obsolete carination, in- creasing to the vertebral series. Each scale minutely bipunctate. General color lustrous pitch-black ; beneath, the color posteriorly is uniform slate-black ; on the chin and throat dull yellowish : these 74 • SCOTOPHIS. two colors, as they extend towards each other, are of less and less extent, mingling in the form of blotches : the anterior fourth shows most of yellowish, the next fourth most of the black, the posterior half uniform black. On separating the scales, those at certain suc- cessive intervals on both back and sides will be found to have their bases narrowly margined with white, as if the fundamental color con- sisted of dark blotches on a white ground, as in *S'. Lindheimerii. A second specimen, smaller, shows the same characters, but with more of white beneath. Carlisle, Fa. 234+1.86.27. 59j. lOf. S. F. Baird. Unknown. 233+1. 83. 27. 39i. 7i. Unknown. 2. ScotoplliS I^indlaeimeril, B. & G.— Head broader than in S. alleyhaniensis. Vertical plate as broad anteriorly as long. Posterior upper labials smaller than in S. alleghaniensis. Dorsal series 29 ; abdominal scutellte 228-235. Black dorsal and lateral blotches ; intermediate space rather lighter, with scales edged with white. Scale on sides of neck white, each with bluish spot. Occipitals moderate, their commissure equal in length to the verti- cal. Orbits moderate, above the 4th and 5th labials, centre about midway between the snout and angle of the mouth. Anterior orbital large, single, extending nearly to the outer angle of the vertical. Loral trapezoidal, highest anteriorly. Nasals moderate, including nostrils between them. Labials 8 above, moderate, posterior small; 12 below; posterior very small, 6th and 7th largest. Nine rows of scales between labials and abdominal scutella? at the angle of the mouth. Outer ten rows smooth, then carinated very obsoletely^ rather more decidedly and in increasing degree towards the back. Color above dark lead color, constituted by a dorsal series of quadrangular blotches, about 34 from head to anus, rather acutely emarginate before and behind, occupying a width equal to about 15 scales. The lozenge-shaped intervals between these blotches are from two to three scales long centrally, diminishing and becoming more linear posteriorly. On each side, and alternating with the dorsal series, is a second alternating one, composed of subrectangu- lar elongated blotches, and alternating again with these is a second indistinct series along the edge of the abdomen. The entire system of coloration is very difficult to define, the general appearance being that of a black snake with irregular obsolete mottlings of white. SCOTOPHIS. • 75 The intervals between the blotches may be indicated as being white, with the centre and apex of each scale lead color, the proportion of the latter being very small on the sides, and increasing to the dorsal line. The scales in the centres of the blotches have the basal half narrowly margined with white, as is the case, to some extent, with the lateral spots. Beneath greenish white, with the centres of the scutellae mottled with dark slate-blue, increasing backwards. Chin and throat immaculate yellowish white, scales on the sides with a bluish spot on the apex. The colors described are those as preserved in alcohol. Probably the color of the animal when alive is much like that of Bascanion constrictor or ScotopJiis alleghanienzis. In the general obsoleteness of the markings, the blotches may sometimes be detected as more or less confluent between the difl'erent series. NewBraunfds, Tex. 227+1. 81. 29. 36. 7. Dr. F. Lindheimer. A second specimen much larger, of what appears to be the same species, diifers in having the belly nearly uniform yellowish : the black of the upper parts is replaced by umber-brown. The blotches are visible, but very obsoletely. Indianola. - 234+1. 85. 29. 60. 9. Col. J. D. Graham. 3* Scotopllis VMlpinus, B. & G. — Head rather short, vertical broader than long. Postfrontals very large, as long as the verticals, pe- nultimate upper labial largest. Dorsal series 25 ; outer 4 rows smooth. Abdominal scutellse 203. Subquadrate dorsal blotches transverse,. 3 or 4 scales long. Tail tumid. Anterior frontals much smaller than the posterior. Rostral broad. Occipitals broad, rather short, longer than the vertical. Eyes smaller than in S. aUcglianiends, centre over the junction of the 4th and 5th labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate one the largest, last somewhat smaller : lower 10, 6th the largest. Anteriorly the first three or four rows are smooth, there they are very obsoletely carinated, increasing towards the back, although everywhere moderately so. Tail thick. General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which it is however distinguishable by the carinated scales and other generic features. Ground-color above light brown. A series of broad transverse quad- rate chocolate blotches extending from head to tail, about 00 in num- ber, 44 to anus. The first spot anteriorly is divided into two on the 76 * SCOTOPHIS. nape, and occasionally the blotches anteriorly are irregular, oblique, and varying in size. This occurs, however, only on the anterior fifth of the body, behind which the intervals between the blotches are rectilinear, nearly equal, and about one and a half scales in length. The blotches are generally embraced between the 5th or 6th rows on each side, and are 3 to 4 scales long. The sides of the blotches are not linear but obtuse angled. On each side is a series of smaller rounded blotches on the 3-7th rows, similar in color to those on the back, and like them with a black border, sometimes more or less in- terrupted. Another series of subquadrate black blotches, about the same size as the last, is visible on the edge of the abdomen, some- times involving the 1st and 2d rows of scales, these are opposite to the dorsal blotches. Rest of the abdomen yellowish white, with al- ternating quadrate blotches of black. The brown color becomes lighter on the sides. Racine, Wise. 202+1. 68. 25. 32. 7. Dr. P. R. Hoy. A second much larger specimen from Michigan has the ground- color a yellowish brown, and there is a black streak from the eye to the angle of the mouth; a second vertical stripe under the eye. The spots on the back are only about 45, of which 13 belong to the tail. This species is probably allied to C calUgaster of Say, but no men- tion is made of the abdominal blotches, and Drs. Holbrook and Hal- lowell assure us particularly that the scales are smooth. Grosse lie, Mich. 202+1.69.25. 57.9. Eev. Chas. Fox. 4. Scotopllis COIifinls^ B. & G. — Vertical plate longer tlian broad. Nostrils more anterior than in S. vulpinus. Dorsal rows 2-5, outer rather larger ; exterior 6 rows smooth ; abdominal scales 240. Quadrate dorsal blotches elongated throughout, 5-6 scales long. Head large, broad. Posterior frontals large ; anterior consider- ably smaller ; occipitals broad, large. Eye rather large ; centre over the line joining the 4th and 5th labials : orbits above the whole of the 4th and 5th labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate the largest, last one large; inferior 12 or 11, posterior small. Nostrils nearly terminal. Rostral narrow, high. Seales rather short. Outer six rows smooth, remainder very obso- letely carinated. Exterior row rather larger, rest nearly uniform. SCOTOPHIS. 77 General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which its larger eyes and head, carinated scales, &c. at once distinguish it. Ground- color ash-gray. A series of 44 dorsal blotches, of which 12 are on the tail. These blotches are dark chocolate-brown, with obsolete black margins. They are included between the 6th and 7th row on each side, and about six scales long. They are very regular in shape, longitudinally quadrate, rather wider transversely in the middle, and with the corners slightly produced longitudinally. The gray inter- vals are thus not quite rectilinear, rather elliptical, but of the same width throughout. On the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 6th lateral rows is a second series of similar blotches, more or less elongated, especially anteriorly. On the side of the neck, indeed, the 'blotches are con- fluent into very narrow distinct stripes. A third series of square blotches on the side of the abdomen, involving the 1st and 2d lateral rows. Rest of belly yellowish white, with black blotches; anterior eighth immaculate. A black stripe from the posterior part of the orbit to the angle of the mouth, which it reaches on the anterior extremity of the last labial. A vertical line beneath the eye, and the edges of the labials in front also black. Some blotching on the top of the head, which is too indistinct to define. Compared with S. vulpinus the eyes are larger, the vertical plate longer, the nostrils more anterior, the carination more obsolete. Body more elongatecf. Abdominal scutellai more numerous. Spots longitudinal, not transverse. Scales shorter, broader, more obtusely angular. This species is closely allied to S. f/uttafus, but is quite distinct. Its full characters can only be seen in larger specimens, which may have been confounded with S. (juttatus. Very probably some of the numerous synonyms assigned to the latter species may belong here, but in the want of accurate descriptions, the only course left is to give a new name. Anderson, S. C. 239+1. 81. 25. 16J. 4f. Miss C. Paine. 5. Scotopllis laetus, B. & G. — Similar to S. confinis, but posterior frontals larger. Vertical plate longer than broad. Dorsal rows 29. Ab- dominal scutellse 227. Blotches fewer. This species bears a close resemblance to *S'. confinu, and its cha- racters may be best given by comparison with the latter. It difi"ers therefore in the greater number of dorsal rows, 29 instead of 25. 78 SCOTOPHIS. The whole body and head are much stouter. Exterior eight rows smooth, rest slightly carinated. The vertical is broad before, rather acute behind. A probably monstrous feature is seen in the union of the two postfrontals, except for a short distance before, and in the loral and postnasal coalescing into one trapezoidal plate. Blotches less numerous. A broad vitta across the back part of the postfrontals, passing backwards and downwards through the eye, and terminating acutely on the posterior upper labial. A blotch across the back part of the vertical, and extending through the occipitals on each side to the nape. The spots are larger, longitudinal through- out, with occasional exceptions. Its affinities to S. vulpinus are close. The vertical, however, is narrow, the eyes much larger, dorsal rows 29 instead of 25. The blotches on the back are longitudinal, and fewer in number. For the full description of this species also, it will be necessary to pro- cure larger specimens. Red River, Ark. 227. 77. 29. 18. 3^. Capts. Marcy & M'Clellan. 6. Scotopllis §^uttatus, B. & G.— Head narrow. Dorsal rows 27, outer one scarcely larger ; abdominal scutellaj 215-235. A series of quadrate brick-red blotches, intervals lighter. Two light frontlets on the head, mar- gined with black, enclosing a dark red stripe which passes through the eye, across the mouth to the neck. Syn. Coluber guitatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1110. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 363; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 126.-Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 168.— Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 109. PI. xxiv; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 65. PI. xiv. Head elongated, outline nearly straight, and transversely tapering from the sides of the occiput to the subtruncate snout. Vertical large, longer than wide, pentagonal, with the lateral margins at a very slight angle with each other. Occipitals rather narrow. Eye moderate; centre rather in advance of junction of 4th and 5th labials ; orbit above the whole of these labials. Labials 8 above, penultimate the largest; 11 below. Body elongated, decidedly compressed to the tip of the tail. Dor- sal rows 27. Carination very obsolete, visible only on the 13 central rows, and there very indistinctly ; not evident on the tail. Scales SCOTOPHIS. 79 rather large, triangular, pointed. The exterior row little if any larger than the rest. General color of body above light red, paler on the sides. Along the back a series of dorsal blotches, about 45 in number, 32 from head to anus. These blotches anteriorly are longitudinally quad- rate, gradually becoming transverse; in front they are concave be- fore and behind, and with the corners produced longitudinally, exteriorly they are zigzag convex. The color of each blotch is a dark brick-red, with a deep black margin half a scale wide. Ex- terior to the black is a lighter shade of the ground-color. On each side of the dorsal series is a second alternating one of smaller elon- gated blotches, similarly constituted as to color. A third opposite to the dorsal, occurs on the edge of the abdomen, and on the 1st to the 4th row of scales : in this the red is lighter, and the black is con- fined to a few scattered scales. The lateral blotches are more or less indistinct in places, and frequently confluent with each other and the dorsal series. Posteriorly too they are reduced more or less to the black marks in single scales. Color beneath yellowish white, with subquadrangular blotches of black, generally occupying half of the inferior surface of the abdominal scutellae. The ground-color of the sides extends up on the forehead in the form of a frontlet, which crosses the vertical at its anterior extremity, passes backwards along the top of the head, including the supercili- aries and outside of occipitals, crosses above the angle of the mouth, and runs into the sides of the neck. This is narrowly margined on both edges with black. A second frontlet across the front of the postfrontals, narrower but similar, and bending down on each side to the anteorbital. A similarly colored blotch on the commissure of the occipitals, widening behind and constituting a centre to the dark red space enclosed by the large frontlet on the back of the neck : behind the one just mentioned is another rather larger, and the two are sometimes confluent. A dark red stripe is included between the two frontlets just described, crossing the posterior part of the post- frontals, the upper end of the anterior frontals, and through the eye, across the angle of the mouth down the sides of the neck. Vertical edges of the upper and lower labials black. Charleston, S. C. 214+1. 79. 27. 29 1. 4^. Dr. Barker. Specimens from Kemper Co., Miss., much larger in size, agree exactly in the pattern of coloration. The red is, however, more or 80 SCOTOPHIS. less effaced, probably by tbe alcohol. The blotches are light hazel, and the interspaces light chocolate. Smaller specimens from Georgia differ only in having the blotches dark hazel, lighter centrally. The intervals are ash-gray. The young sustain a close resemblance to the species described from Anderson, S. C. The scales are scarcely if at all carinated however ; the dorsal rows two more : the blotches less regularly quad- rate and not elongate posteriorly. The shape of the head and its plates are different. The markings on the head in the latter are reduced to a uniform black band across the postfrontals, passing back through the eye, and ending acutely on the angle of the mouth. The scales also are more carinated. 3 Kemper Co., Miss. 226+1.69.27. 43. 7. D.C.Lloyd. -^ . " 223+1. 66. 27. 47. 7. " '-^^ ^ ^ Mississippi. — — 27 — — Dr. B. F. Shumard. 1*-^-"^ \ Savannah, Ga. 226+1. 65. 27. 21. 3i E. R. Cuyler. Georgia. 236+1. — 27. 12. 1^ (on dep.) Prof. Adams. X " 228+1. — 27. 13|. 2. « 1. Scot05>liis qtiatlrivittafiis, B. & G. — Shape of head resem- bling most that of S. lastus. Vertical broader anteriorly and more tapering posteriorly. Dorsal rows of scales 27, the five or eight medial rows alone , carinated; the carination obsolete. Greenish yellow, with four longitudinal brown bands. Syn. Coluber quadrivittatus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 89. PI. xx. Chicken Snake, Baktr. Trav. in Carol., Geo. & Florida, 1791, 275. Body slender, tail very slender, about the fifth of the total length. Head elliptical, quite detached from the body by a slender neck. Eyes large. Vertical plate pentagonal, slightly concave on the sides, equalling in length the commissure of the occipitals. The lower por- tion of the anterior orbital is narrower than in S. Isetus. Loral tra- pezoidal. Two elongated and small temporal shields. Upper labials 8, 7th largest; lower labials 10, 5th largest. Rostral hexagonal. Scales very thin, lozenge-shaped, constituting 27 dorsal rows. Slight traces of carination may be observed on the five or eight medial rows. The outer row is composed of scales as high as long; in the second row they are perceptibly larger than the remaining ones. Ground-color above greenish yellow, with four longitudinal brown bands, covering each one entire row of scales and the half of the ad- SCOTOPHIS. 81 joining rows. The lateral bauds thus extend along the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows, the 4th being the one entirely covered. The dorsal bands extend along the 10th, 11th, and 12th rows, the 11th being entirely covered. The space between the dorsal and lateral band embraces four entire rows of scales, and the half of the adjoining ones. The dorsal space between the dorsal bands comprises three entire rows of scales and the half of the adjoining rows. The abdomen, head and tail beneath ai-e uniformly light straw-color. On the removal of the epidermis the dark bands disappear to a considerable extent, and then indistinct and obsolete quadrate spots become visible on the sides, and probably on the back. The edges of many of the scales are lighter. Florida. 236+1. 93. 27. 23i 5f. (ondep.) Prof Agassiz. g2 OPHIBOLUS. Genus OPHIBOILIJS, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Body rather thick, tail short. Dorsal rows 21, (in one group 23,) the scales hexagonal, arranged in longitudinal series, broad, short, scarcely overlapping, nearly as high as long, all per- fectly smooth and lustrous. Abdominal scutellae 180-220 ; posterior entire. Subcaudal all bifid. Head short, depressed, but little wider than the body. Eyes very small. Vertical plate very broad. Post- orbitals two, the lower in notch between the 4th and 5th labials. One anteorbital, like the loral, small. Nasals two, with the nostril between them. Upper labials 7. Ground-color black, brown, or red, crossed by lighter intervals generally bordered by black. The type of the genus is to be found in 0. Sayi, to which we would refer for more full generic characters. The red species belong to the genus Erythrolamprus of Boie, as understood by Dumeril & Bibron. B. Dorsal roivs 23. 1. OpllibolUS Boylii, B. & G.— Black, with upwards of 30 broad ivory white transverse bands widening on the sides. Dorsal rows of scales 23. Vertical plate distinctly pentagonal, longer than broad: more elongated than in 0. Sayi. Sides nearly parallel, a little shorter than the occipital plates. The sides of the head as in 0. Sayi. Dorsal rows 23, the scales rather more elongated than in 0. Sayi. Outer row a little larger, all the rest nearly equal. Back and sides black, crossed by about 37 ivory-white bands, the 30th opposite the anus. On the vertebral region these bands are about one and a half scales wide, with the margins parallel to about the 7th outer row of scales, where they begin to widen, so as to embrace from five to seven scales on the outer row. They continue of this width to the middle of the abdomen, where they are either confluent with the white of the oppo- site side, or are opposite to the black interval on the other side. The black interval between the cross bands is some eight to ten scales OPHIBOLUS. 83 long, narrowing on the sides as the white spaces enlarge, until on the outer dorsal rows it occupies them to four scales, and is continued to the middle of the abdomen ; owing to a slight obliquity of the dark patches on the back, their abdominal extensions ai-e very apt to alternate with each other on the middle of the abdomen, instead of being directly opposite and confluent. Every transition from the one condition to the other is observable. The general pattern is thus : a black body, encircled by white rings, which are wider on the sides and beneath. The end of the tail is distinctly annulated. Occa- sionally some of the black scales on the sides have indistinct white spots in the centres. Labials, plates on the sides of the head, and above in front of the vertical, yellow, with black margins. El Dorado Co., Cal. 240.52.23. 28.31. Dr. C. C. Boyle. 2. Opllil>OlU!« spleildidus, B. & G.— Black above ; the sides black, ■with a white spot in each scale. The body crossed by broad bands, consist- ing of white spots, one in each scale. Dorsal rows 23. Similar in general features to 0. Boylii. Vertical plate similar to that of 0. Boylii but broader, and the sides more nearly parallel. This species forras a connecting link, as to color, between the blotched varieties of* 0. Sayi and 0. getulus. There is a series of dorsal black blotches from head to tail; in one specimen 63, the 49th opposite the anusj in the other 52, the 41st opposite the anus. These are four or five scales long, and six or seven wide. The lighter intervals between are constituted by one or two trans- verse rows of spots, each one on a separate scale. The scales on the sides (from the 1st to the 7th or 8th rows) are black, each one with an elongated white blotch in the centre. These blotches occupy nearly the whole scale on the exterior row, but diminish in amount towards the back. A series of rhomboidal darker spots is seen on each side opposite the light intervals, produced by the less amount of white on the scales at that place, and sometimes extend to the abdomen. The abdomen is white, blotched not very deeply with black two or three scales wide, and a continuation of the dark shade in the pro- longation of the lateral rhomboids. The blotches of the opposite sides are sometimes confluent and sometimes alternate. In one spe- cimen the black patches are rather wider, extending nearly to the abdomen. Head less blotched with yellow than 0. Boylii. DiiFers 84 OPHIBOLUS. from 0. Boylii in having the light intervals in the form of spots in the centres of dark scales, instead of covering the whole space. The lateral blotches are alternate with those of the back, not continuous and opposite. The blotches are more numerous. ^onova.Mcx. 219.65.23. 36. 5|. Col. J. D. Graham. " 215. 55. 23. 26. 4. " B. Dorsal rows 21. 3. OpSlibolMS Sayi, B. & G. — Black, each scale above with a large circular or yellow spot in the centre. Sometimes only transverse lines of these spots across the back. Syn. Herpetodryas getulus, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. II, 1837, 198. Coronella Sayi, Holbe. (non Schl.) N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 99. PL xxii. Coluber Sayi, Dekay, New York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 41. King Snake. As already remarked, we consider this as the true type of the genus, and shall accordingly reproduce some of the generic features in more detail. Body, as in most of the other species, very tense and rigid, with difficulty capable of being extended after immersion in alcohol. Vertical plate triangular, wider than long ; outer edge slightly con- vex, an angle being faintly indicated at the junction of the super- ciliaries and occipitals ; shorter than the occipitals, which are short, longer than broad. Postfrontals large, broad; anterior smaller. Bostral small, not projecting, slightly wedged between prefrontals. Eye very small, orbit about as high as the labial below it; centre of the eye a little anterior to the middle of the commissure, over the junction of the 3d and 4th labials. One anteorbital, vertically quadrate ; loral half its height, square. Upper labials 7, increasing to the penultimate. Lower labials 9 ; 4th and 5th largest. Scales nearly as high as long, hexagonal, truncated at each end. Dorsal rows 21, exterior rather larger, and diminishing almost im- perceptibly to the back, although all the scales in a single oblique row are of very nearly the same shape and size. The scales on the back and sides are lustrous black, each one with a central elliptical or subcircular spot of ivory-white, which on the sides occupy nearly the whole of the scale, but are smaller towards the back, where they involve one-half to one-third of the length. Beneath yellowish white, with broad distinct blotches of black, more OPHIBOLUS. 85 numerous posteriorly. Skin between the scales brown. The plates on the top and sides of the head have each a yellowish blotch ; the labials are yellow, with black at their junction. ^ - - Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 216. 52. 21. 42. 5. Jas. Fairie. (L jl.« ^ Other specimens agree except in having bright yellow instead of white as described; the spots too are rather smaller, and manifest a slight tendency to aggregation on adjacent scales, so as to form trans- verse bands. This is seen more decidedly where the back is crossed by about 70 short dotted yellow lines ; the 56th opposite the anus. The scales between have very obsolete spots of lighter, scarcely dis- cernible. The sides are yellow, with black spots corresponding to the dorsal lines ; indeed, there may be indistinctly discerned two or three lateral series of alternating blotches. Kem'per Co., Miss. 211. 52. 21. 47i. 6i. D. C. Lloyd. « — 9i. — " In larger specimens from the West, this tendency in the spots to aggregation is still more distinct. The back is crossed by these dotted lines of the number and relation indicated, at intervals of four or five scales ; the spots on the intervening space being obsolete. These lines bifurcate at about the 9th outer row, the branches con- necting with those contiguous, so as to form hexagons, and these ex- tending towards the abdomen again, decussate on about the third outer row, thus enclosing two series of square dark spots on each side. These lateral markings are, however, not very discernible, owing to the confusion produced by the greater number of yellow spots. On the edge of the abdomen are dark blotches, one opposite each dorsal dark space, the centres of the scutellae being likewise blotched, but so as rather to alternate with those just mentioned. Specimens from Indianola exhibit all varieties of coloration. Red River, Ark. 224. 49. 21. 33 i. 3f. Capts. Marcy&McClellan. Indianola. 213.50.21. 39J. 4f. Col. J. D. Graham. 4. Opllibollis g'etulus, B. & G. — Black, crossed by about 30 nar- row continuous yellow lines, which bifurcate on the flanks, the very obtuse angles embracing on each side a series of very much elongated patches, and in fact, by the union of the branches with each other, dividing the back into a succession of large black hexagons. 8Q OPHIBOLUS. Stx\. Coluber rjetulus. Link. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 382.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1106.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 358 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 122.— Peale, Cont. Macl. Lye. I, 1829. PI. V. Fseudoelaps getulus, FiTZ. N. Class. Eept. 1826, 56. Coronella getula, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 95. PI. xxi. Anguis annulatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1748, 52. Tab. Iii. Thunder Snake ; King Snake ; Chain Snake. Very similar in general relations to 0. Sayi, although the body appears rather stouter, and the head and eyes somewhat larger in proportion. The color above is deep lustrous black, crossed by about 33 continuous yellow lines, the 26th opposite the anus. These lines, which on the middle of the back are narrow, one-half or one scale in width, widen rapidly till they meet the lateral series of black blotches, when they extend longitudinally in either direction, and anastomose with their fellows. On each side, and alternating with the dark en- closures on the back, is a series of deep black blotches, extending from the abdomen (where those of opposite sides are generally con- fluent) over the 1st and 2d outer rows of scales. These blotches are rounded above, five or six scales long, and separated from the nearest dark part of the back by one or one-half scale. The outer edge of the abdomen, and the exterior dorsal rows between these blotches being yellow, causes the chain pattern to be continuous, enclosing a series of elongated dorsal spots, from 7 to 10 scales long and about 17 wide. Centre of abdomen largely blotched with black, usually confluent with the blotches already mentioned. The plates on the head are black, with yellow spots. The pattern as here described is subject to some irregularities, the chain being sometimes broken, and the lines oblique, not transverse, and the dark blotches of opposite sides not truly opposite to each other. Anderson, S. C. 224. 48. 21. 30J. 4i Miss C. Paine. , Charleston, S. C. 213. 52. 21. 47i 7h Dr. S. B. Barker. ^-\l^\ 31ississ{p2n. — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard. 5. Opliibolaii^ rliomboniacBilatus, B. & G.— Light chestnut, with a dorsal series, and two lateral on each side of darker rhomboid blotches. Each blotch with still darker margins. Syn. Coronella rhombomaculaia, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 103. PL xsiii. OPHIBOLUS. ^ 87 Above light chestnut-brown, darker along the back, lighter to- wards the abdomen. Each scale minutely mottled with darker. Beneath reddish yellow, obscurely blotched with light-brown. A series of 52 dorsal blotches from head to tip of tail, the 42d opposite the anus. These are irregularly and transversely rhomboidal, six or seven scales wide, one and a half to two and a half long, and se- parated by intervals of about 3 scales, thus wider than the blotches. Their color is darker chestnut, with still darker margins, and some- times with a faint areola lighter than the ground-color. On each side and alternating with this series, is a second on the 2d to the 6th outer rows, and about a scale long; tlien a third again alternating on the 1st, 2d, and 3d rows, sometimes involving the edges of the scu- tellse. These, though smaller than the dorsal spots, are similar. They are sometimes, confluent with each other, though rarely with those of the back. There is a dark stripe from the eye to the angle of the mouth. Anderson, S. C. 203. 48. 21. 24. 3|. Miss C. Paine. Georgia. 200. 44. 21. 28f. 3i. Prof. C. B. Adams. 6. OpSlibolus exiniius, B. & G.— Grayish ash, with one dorsal series of upwards of 50 transversely elliptical chocolate blotches, with two other alternating lateral series on each side. Stn. Coluber eximius, Dekat, (Mss.) and N. York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 38. PI. xii, fig. 25.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. V, 1827, 360; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 123.— Storeb, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 227. Fseudoelaps Y, Berth. Abh. K. Ges.Wiss. Gott. 1, 1843, 67. PI. i, fig.ll & 12. House Snake, Milk Snake, Chicken Snake, Thunder and Lightning Snake. Muzzle rather broader, and the head more depressed than in the first described species of the genus : in other respects generally similar, like them having all the scales hexagonal, those on the back scarcely narrower than those on the sides, although rather more elongated than usual. Vertical longer than broad, shorter than the occipitals. General color above yellowish gray, with a dorsal series of large blotches, 55 in number from the head to the tip of the tail, the 45th opposite to the anus. These are transversely elliptical, about four scales long, covering 12 to 15 scales across the back, (more an- teriorly than posteriorly,) and separated by intervals of one and a half to two scales, all of nearly the same width. The spots them- selves are grayish brown or chocolate, with a broad black border, and 88 OPHIBOLUS, finely mottled internally (as is the ground-color on the sides) with black. The blotches become narrower posteriorly ; on the tail their confluence with the lateral series forms black half-rings. On each side, and involving the 2d to the 5th rows, is another series of much smaller and nearly circular blotches, black with the centres brown. These alternate with the dorsal spots. Alternating with the series just described is still another similar to it, but entirely black, on the margin of the abdomen, and on the contiguous spots of the 1st, 2d, and 3d rows. These two lateral series are sometimes confluent. The an- terior dorsal blotch is elongated, so as to cover the posterior half of the vertical plate : and in it is a central elongated spot of the ground- color behind the occipitals. A double light spot is seen on the junc- tion of the occipitals, as in Eutainia. There are indications of a dark band across the posterior half of the post^frontals, and another from the eye to the angle of the mouth. The labials are edged with black. The abdomen is yellowish white, with square black blotches, al- ternating with those already described. The number and size of these spots varies somewhat in difi'erent specimens, though rarely less than 40 from head to anus. The young difi"er in having the dorsal blotches bright chestnut-red inside of the black margins. The intervals are sometimes white, or clear ash. Wesfport,N. T. 214. 54. 21. 40J. 5i S. F. Baird. Somerville, N. Y. 200. 49. 21. 27. SJ. Dr. F. B. Hough. Warren, Mass. 200. 55. 21. 29. 4i. S. F. Baird. Wohurn, Mass. — — — — — C. Girard. Foxburg, Pa. — — — — — S. F. Baird. Carlisle, Pa. 200. 52. 21. 25. 3 J. li 'Y. OpllibolUS Clericus, B. & G. — Similar to 0. ezimiiis. Body stouter. Head much shorter, centre of eye above the middle of the com- missure. Eye much smaller. Body light ash, crossed by less than 40 blotches, which extend to the exterior dorsal row. Only one lateral series of blotches. Syn. Coluber eximius, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 69. PI. xv. Similar in general appearance to 0. eximius, but readily distinguish- able by prominent characters. The head and mouth are very short, OPHIBOLUS. 89 the centre of the eye being in the centre of the commissure, not an- terior to it. The vertical is as broad as long, and the occipitals are but little longer than broad. The superciliaries are very short to correspond with the minute eye. All these plates are shorter than in the corresponding size of 0. eximius. The scales on the body are much wider in proportion, and on the sides, where they are arranged more in quincunx, owing to the less amount of truncation. Entire body much stouter than in the allied species. The body is crossed by a series of 38 dorsal blotches, the 29th opposite the anus. They are much broader and larger than in 0. eximius, and extend between the outer dorsal rows. These blotches are chocolate, lighter on the sides, and distinctly bordered with black ; they are about five or six scales long. The intervals between the blotches are mottjled ash, or pepper and salt. On each side is a second alternating series of black blotches, much smaller than the dorsal, and extending from the exterior dorsal row on the edge of the abdominal scutellas. Beneath yellowish white, with distinct quadrate black blotches. The stripe from the eye to the angle of the mouth as in 0. eximius. The body, viewed from above, appears encircled by a series of black rings in pairs, enclosing a third of an ash-color. The tints as usual are darker on -the back. Clark Co., Va. *199. 49. 21. 36. 6|. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. Ilississijypi- — — — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard. S. Opbibolus doliatus, B. & G. — Red, encircled by about 22 pairs of narrow black rings, each enclosing a yellow unspotted ring. Head red, with the first ring of the anterior pair crossing the ends of the occipitals. Syn. Coluber doliatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 379. — Gm. Linii. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1096. — Haul. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 3G2; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 125. Coronella coccinea, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. II, 1837, 67. PI. ii, fig. 11. Coronella doliata, Holbe. N. Amer. Ilerp. Ill, 1842, 105. PI. xxiv. Head rather more depressed than in the species of the other sec- tion. The lower postocular, which is smaller than the upper, rests in a notch between the 4th and 5th upper labials, lying longitudi- nally against the latter. In many other species the contact is not so intimate. 90 OPHIBOLUS. Color above yellowish -wbite ; in life, bright red. The body is en- circled by 24 pairs of black rings, (the 19th opposite the anus,) each pair enclosing a yellow ring between them. Along the back the black and yellow rings are nearly of equal width, the three covering a length on the back of five or six scales. Anteriorly their intervals are 8 or 9 scales long, posteriorly somewhat less. The black rings, as they descend on the sides, separate somewhat, so as to leave an interval of about three scales; they are also somewhat narrower than above. On the abdomen they are generally interrupted, the corresponding ends of the same ring sometimes meeting, and some- times alternating. Occasionally there are scattered black blotches on the belly between the pairs. The anterior black ring of the first pair crosses the posterior part of the occipitals, extending across be- tween the angles of the mouth. The head in front of this is red, with a small black ring in the posterior half of the vertical. The posterior edges of the labials are black. In a second smaller specimen from Mississippi, there are 17 pairs of rings to the anus, and 4 on the tail. The whole head is black, the first yellow interval beginning just back of the occipitals. Not having a specimen of 0. doUatus from the Atlantic States, we are in some uncertainty as to whether this be really the above species, especially as it differs somewhat from Dr. Holbrook's description. Kemper Co., Miss. 208. 49. 21. 18|. 2|. D. C Lloyd. Mississippi. 188. 50. 21. 8*. l\. Dr. B. F. Shumard. 9. Opllibollis gentilis, B. & G. — Muzzle more convex and acute than in 0. doliatus. Body brownish red, encircled by about 25 pairs of broad black rings enclosing a yellow ring : the yellow mottled with black on the sides. Black rings broader than in 0. doliatus. Upper part of head entirely black. Ground-color dull red, encircled by 25 pairs of black rings, the 21st opposite the anus, each pair enclosing a third ring of yellowish white. The black rings are conspicuously broader above, the three crossing eight scales on the vertebral row anteriorly, and towards the anus about five. Anteriorly the intervals between successive pairs consist of about five scales, posteriorly only of two or three, thus di- minishing considerably. The black rings contract as they descend, those of each pair receding slightly from each other, so as to cause the yellow portion to expand about one scale. The black rings are OPHIBOLUS. 91 continuous on the abdomen, those of contiguous pairs (not of the same pair) sometimes with their intervening spaces black. The scales in the -white rings are always more or less mottled with black, especially along the sides of the body, this mottling being very rarely observable on the red portion. The anterior black ring of the first pair is extended so as to cover the whole head above, except the very tip ; the yellow ring behind it involves the extreme tip of the oc- cipital^. A larger specimen is much duskier in its colors. The black rings extend on the back so that the contiguous rings of adjacent pairs run into each other. There are 28 pairs of rings, the 25th opposite the anus. In a specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge, which probably belongs to this species, there are but 21 pairs of rings, the 19th opposite the anus. The rings separate more on the sides than in the other speci- mens, the intervals covering some six or eight scales. The black rings are mostly interrupted below; the interrupted ends of con- tiguous rings of adjacent pairs connected by short black blotches. The white rings are mottled, and the head is black as described. R.,R,e,A„., 198.45.21. 20. 2i. {^CmZ^ " -201. — 21. 27i. — " ?FrairieMerRouge,Lx. l*3i. 45. 21. 16i 2i. Jas. Fairie. 92 GEORGIA. Genus GEORGIA, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Vertical plate short, very broad. Superciliaries broad, and the cornea scarcely visible from above. Head rather high. "Outline of the top of the head very convex. Two postorbit- als ; one large anteorbital. Two nasals, very short. Kostral broad, low. Dorsal rows of scales perfectly smooth, in 17 rows, overlap- ping or imbricated. Postabdominal scutella entire. Postfrontals much larger than the prefrontals. Size of the animal very large. Color black. This genus has a strong resemblance to Bascanion, from which it differs by its stouter form, much broader vertical, one anteorbital, undivided postabdomidal scutella, &c. From Ophiholus it is dis- tinguished by the broader superciliaries, deeper head, much imbri-* cated scales, &c. 1. Georgia Couperi, B. & G.— Postorbitals resting on the 4th labial. Black above, dark slate beneath. No red marks evident on the abdomen. Stn. Coluber Couperi, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 75. PI. xvi. Vertical plate pentagonal, as broad as long. Much shorter than the occipitals. Width of head greater than half its length. Eye rather small, its centre above the junction of the 4th and 5th labials, and anterior tu the middle of the commissure. Inferior postorbital resting on the 4th labial. Loral quadrangular. Labials 7 above, increasing in size to the 4th ; the 5th small, triangular, and having the 4th and 6th in contact above it ; 6th very large ; 7th scarcely smaller. Color intense lustrous black, the bases of the scutellae clouded with lead-color. Plates on the inferior surface of the head with the centres brownish yellow. Specimen described belonging to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Altamalia, Ga. 184. 60. 17. 60. 11. Dr. J. E. Holbrook. BASCANION. 93 Genus BASCAl^IOIV, Baird & Girakd. Gen. Char. Body slender, elongated. Tail very long. Head narrow, deep, long. Eyes very large. Postorbitals 2 ; anterior 2, upper very large, lower very small, in a notch between the 2d and 3d labials. Fourth labial produced up behind the eye to meet the lower postorbital. Loral one ; nasals two. Vertical much elongated and narrow, concave externally. Dorsal rows of scales 17, all perfectly smooth, and subhexagonal. Abdominal scutellae 170-200 ; posterior one divided: subcaudal 90-110, all bifid. Colors black or olive. Uniform above ; lighter below : skin between the scales black. Young blotched. 1. Bascauiou constrictor, B. & G. — Vertical diminishing for half its length, then parallel. Centre of eye over the 4th labial. In the adult, color lustrous pitch-black, above and beneath greenish black, some- times tinged with greeaiish white. Chin and throat white. The young are olive, with rhomboidal dorsal blotches ; beneath greenish white. Syn. Coluber constrictor, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 885. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1109. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 348; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 112.— Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 133. PI. v, figs. 3 & 4.— Stokek, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 225.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 55. PI. xi.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm. 1842, 117.— Deeat, New York Fauna, Rept. 1842, 35. PI. x, fig. 20. Hierophis constrictor, Bonap. Fn. Ital. II, 1841. Art. Col. leopard. Vipera niger, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 48. Tab. xlviii. Black Snake, Kalm, Reise N. Amer. II, 1704, 202. — Penn. Arct. Zool. Suppl. II, 1792, 92. Vertical plate much longer than broad, pentagonal, anterior margin convex, the lateral strongly concave, the plate rapidly diminishing to half its length, thence nearly parallel, terminated by a rather ob- tuse angle ; a little shorter than the occipitals. Superciliaries large, rather broad. Rostral rather broad and high, wedged to a slight extent between the prefrontals. Eye large, its centre before the middle of the commissure, and over the 4th labial. The lower 94 BASCANION. anteorbital very small, wedged in between the upper anteorbltal, the loral, the 3d labial, and the eye. Loral trapezoidal, oblique, mode- rate. Labials above 7 ; the 1st, 3d, and 5th smaller than the rest, the 3d and 4th entering into the orbit ; the 4th the only one in con- tact with the lower postorbital ; 6th and 7th largest. Lower labials 8, the 5th much the largest. Two rows of temporal scales between the labials and occipitals. Exterior row of dorsal scales very large, diminishing gradually on the back. Scales very thin, the posterior angle moderately truncate, so as to give an elongated hexagonal shape to the exposed portion. Exposed surface of exterior row nearly as high as long. Color above uniform lustrous pitch-black, beneath slate-color, some- times tinged with greenish white. Lower jaw and chin, and some- times edge of the upper labials white. Specimens from the South and South-west, as preserved in alcohol, are apt to exhibit an olive- green tinge, sometimes a dark blue, and occasionally the whole under surface has a decided greenish white color. In one or two specimens there is but one anteorbital. 178+1. 93. 17. 40J. 10#. S. F. Baird. 189+1. 95. 17. 184+1. 95. 17. 178+1. 95. 17. 179+1. — 17. 41. — 185+1. 90. 17. 175+1. — 17. 181+1. — 17. 181+1.110.17. Carlisle, Pa. (( Anderson, S. C u Kemper Co., Miss. Mississippi. Prairie Mer Rouge, La 40i 50. 58. o/s. 47i. 30. 43 ^ 33. lOf. 12i-. 13. 10. 12}. 6f. XJ-g. 10. <( li Miss C. Paine. iC D. C. Lloyd. (( '} 183+1. — 17. 281. CoLB.C.L.Wailes. Jas. Fairie. As is usually the case, the young of this species are variegated in color instead of being uniform. The ground-color is dark olive, with a succession of darker rhomboidal dorsal blotches from head to tail. These are about nine scales wide, and four or five long, separated by lighter intervals, which, narrow along the back, widen of course rapidly towards the abdomen. The edge of each scale is obsoletely lighter than the centre, the dark centres in some scales being of such intensity as to produce the impression of distinct spots, especially on the sides. Along the vertebral region, the margins of the blotches are narrowly darker, and those of the intervals lighter than on the BASCANION. 95 sides. Beneath greenish white, each scutella with from two to four dark spots on the edges. Top of head yellowish gray, posterior margins of both pairs of frontals dark chestnut, as are the contiguous edges of the superciliaries and vertical, and posterior edges of the superciliaries and occipitals as well as a small blotch on the outer edge of the superciliaries, and a broad patch in the centre of the oc- cipitals running up into the vertical. Sides of head white, especially labials and orbitals ; tinged with bluish behind the eyes, and spotted with dark brown. Specimens over 18 inches lose the blotching, and become more and more uniform, although to a considerable size showing traces of the spots on the abdominal scutella^. Carlisle, Pa. 183+1. 91. 17. " 186+1. 83. 17. " 183+1. 91. 17. AnneArundelCo.,Md. 184+1. 94. 17. Anderson, S. C. 180+1.100.17. " 177+1. 93. 17. Cliarleston, S. C. 177+1.105.17. 2. Bascanion FrjBIllOlltii, B. & G. — Black, and similar to B. constrictor, but stouter. Scales behind the head broader, those on the back, narrower. Tip only of the lower jaw white. The single specimen in our possession of this species is too much mutilated to allow of an accurate diagnosis of its character. By comparison with a large number of specimens of Bascanion con- strictor, its distinction is sufficiently evident. For the reasons given, however, it will be necessary to make the description comparative with that of B. constrictor. The body is stouter. The scales back of the head a good deal broader, while those on the back generally are more elongated and less truncate. The head is larger in all its dimensions. The color appears to be intense black, tinged with slate on the belly. Head entirely black, except the end of the lower jaw, which is white. The specimen was collected in California by Col. J. C. Fremont, to whom we dedicate the species. California. 183+1. — 17. 55. 12f. Col. J..C. Fremont. 21. 5}. S. F. Baird. 15|. 3|-. n 21. 5}. li U\. 3i. J. H. Clark. 2U. 5f. Miss C. Paine. 21f. 5f. a 21i. 5f. Dr. S. B. Barker. 96 BASCANION. 3. Bascaiiion Foxii, B. & G. — Body and head thicker than B. constrictor. Tail sliorter. Scales broadei% the two outer rows having their exposed surface higher than long. No adult procured. Immature speci- men brownish olive tinged with blue : a series of transverse blotches on the back. Sides spotted. This species is, in all probability, the young of one which when adult is entirely black, and as such confounded with the true B. con- strictor. Its primary differences, when compared with individuals of the same size of the latter species, are to be seen in the much greater thickn.ess of the head and body and shorter tail, this accompanied by much wider scales on the back and abdomen. The vertical plate is rather broader behind. There are two lorals, one above the other, this probably not constant. The labials are higher. The scales are all broader ; the two exterior rows having their exposed parts higher than long. The posterior part of the body and tail more truly cylindrical than on the other species. Color above brownish olive, tinged with blue on the sides, each scale with a deeper shade of brown towards the tip. A series of very obsolete darker transverse blotches along the back. Beneath greenish white, with darker blotches on the sides of the abdomen. A specimen from Pittsburgh, Pa., probably belonging to this species, has three postorbitals and a single loral. It has also 19 dorsal rows, but agrees in all the other characters. Grosse Isle, Mich. 183+2. 79. 17. 22. 5. Rev. Chas. Fox. Pittsburgh, Pa. 177+1. 85. 19. 15. 3i B. A. Fahnestock. 4. Bascanion flaviventris, B. & G.— Above dark olive-green, beneath yellow. Scattered spots of black on the sides and beneath. Head across superciliaries narrower than distance from snout to end of occipitals. Lower postorbital in contact only with the 4th labial. Syn. Coluber flaviventris, Sat, in Long's Exped. Rock. Mts. II, 1823, 185. General characteristics of the head as in Bascanion constrictor, the differences being difficult to express by description. Head narrow, elongated. Greatest width on superciliaries less than half the length of plated part of head. The lower anteorbital is included between the 2d and 3d labials, the upper orbital and the eye, only touching the BASCANION. 97 loral by one corner. Lower postorbital in contact only with the 4th labial, the 5th scarcely touching it by its corner. The scales are scarcely as much elongated as in B. constrictor. Above light olive-green, posteriorly tinged somewhat with reddish. Beneath bright greenish yellow, rather lighter on the tail, this color involving the lower half of the labials. The skin between the scales, but slightly extensible, is black. On the sides the scales are ob- scurely margined with greenish yellow, and many of them have each a single spot of black, generally near the tip. The abdominal scu- telljB are also sparsely spotted in a similar manner. The spots are sometimes wanting. A specimen from California differs in having the vertical broader. Betw.IndianoIa&) -,nn < -t nn -i^ ocia nir-nn i 167+1. 90. 17. So. 10. Col. J. D. Graham. San Antonio. « " 169+1. 95. 17. 29. 7h California. ■ 188+1. 91. 17. 34. 8J. Dr. W. Gambel. 5. Hascanion l-ellistsss, B. & G.— Stouter than B. fiaviventris. Breadth of head across superciliaries equal to half the interval between tip of rostral and jjosterior end of occipitals. Lower postorbital in notch be- tween the 4th and 5th labials. Olive-brown above, greenish white beneath. Head broader and s*norter than in B. flaviventris. Vertical rather shorter, broader behind. Superciliaries and frontals much broader. Centre of eye scarcely in advance of the centre of commissure. Pro- file more rounded in front. Above olive, tinged with brown ; be- neath greenish white, no black dots visible. There appears to be little if any black in the skin between the scales, although the basal edges of the scales themselves are slightly tinged. San Jose, Cat. 171+2. — 17. 34. — Dr.J.L.LeConte Paget' s Sound. 171+1. 89. 17. 30 J. 8. (ondep.)Expl.Exped IC 164+2. 90. 17. 19. 5i " (C 166+3. 79. 17. 29. 7. " Oregon. 165+1. 17. 28. — « 98 MASTICOPHIS. -^ V Genus MASTICOPHIS, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Similar in general features to Bascanwn, but still more slender and elongated. Tail very long. The head is almost as deep as broad, and the vertical plate very narrow and long. The most striking feature of diflFerence is seen in the prolongation upwards of the 5th posterior labial instead of the 4th, to meet the lower post- orbital. Superciliaries very broad and projecting, more so in pro- portion to the vertical than in Bascanion. Rostral quite small. Eyes very large. Postorbitals 2 ; lower resting on the upward ex- tension of the 5th labial, not touched by the 6th. Anteorbitals 2 ; upper very large, lower very small, in a notch between the 3d and 4th labials. One loral and two nasals, with the nostril intermediate. Scales all very smooth. Dorsal rows 17 or 15. Abdominal scutellae 200-210; posterior divided. Subcaudal 95-150, all divided. Ab- domen blotched, seldom unicolor. Marking anteriorly and poste- riorly apt to be different. The true type of this genus is to be seen in M. ornatus, B. & G. A. Dorsal rows 17. Tail \ length of body. 1. Masticophis flagelliformis, B. & G. — Color black anteriorly, lighter posteriorly. Scales, when lighter, with darker margins. Stn. Anguis fiagelliformis, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743: 54. Tab. liv. Coluber fiagellum, Shaw. Gen. Zol. Ill, 1802. 475. Coluber flagelliformis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 107. PL xix. Psammophis flagelliformis, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. lit, 1842, 11. PI. ii. Coach-whip Snake, Bartr. Trav. in Carol., Georgia, and Florida, 1791, 219. Vertical plate wide in front, rapidly tapering, until at the anterior third it is less than half as wide as in front, thence the sides are parallel, acutely pointed behind. Superciliaries very broad, pro- jecting. Occipitals as long as the vertical. Postfrontals large, anterior smaller. Eye large, its centre considerably in advance of MASTICOPHIS. 99 the middle of the commissure, and over the junctioa of the 4th and 5th labials. Upper orbital very large, extending far forwards above, its upper angle reaching the angle of the vertical. Loral rather large, higher than long. Nasals moderate. Upper labials 8 ; the 6th subtriangular, and smaller; the 7th and 8 th largest of all, elon- gated, equal. Lower labials 9, the 5th largest. Body very slender and attenuated. Dorsal rows of scales 17, all smooth, elongated, even the exterior row longer than broad. Color anteriorly, above and on the sides black, this distinct for one-fourth of the length, fading gradually into brown, which be- comes lighter and lighter towards the tail. Behind the black portion, the scales above are brownish yellow at their basal margin, the rest of the scale more or less mottled with the different shades of brown. The darkest tint is usually seen near the tip of the scales, this on the tail forming a distinct margin. Beneath, the color is yellowish white, on the anterior fifth so much blotched with purplish brown as to be nearly uniform, posterior to which it disappears almost en- tirely, being represented only by occasional dashes. The ends of each scutella, however, on their margins, exhibit the reddish brown blotches, and are colored much like the sides of the body at that place. The centres of all the plates beneath and on the sides of the head are yellow. Anteorbital mostly yellow. K Carolina. !i02+2. 96. 17. 44. lOJ. Dr. W. J. Burnett. 2. MasticopIllS flavigularls, B. & G.— Light dull yellow, tinged •with brown above. Beneath, two longitudinal series of blotches distinct an- teriorly. In alcohol, and especially when the epidermis is removed, the whole animal appears of a soiled white. Syn. Psanimophis flavigularis, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 178. Size very large. Vertical plate broad before, tapering to the middle, where it is about half as wide as anteriorly, thence it runs nearly parallel. Vertical rather shorter than occipitals. Greatest breadth across superciliaries less than half the length of the portion covered by plates. Occipitals moderate. Centre of eye considerably an- terior to the centre of commissure ; over the junction of the 4th and 5th labials. Labials 8 above, increasing in size to the 5th, which is elongated vertically, the 7th elongate and largest. The 5th forms part of the inferior and posterior wall of the orbit, as in all the species of the genus, resting above against the lower postorbital, with which 100 MASTICOPHIS. the 6th labial is not in contact. Dorsal scales broader than in Bas- canion constrictor, their sides perfectly straight, slightly truncate, with the corners rounded. Exterior row largest, rest gradually di- raiuishing. Scales on the tail widely truncate. The general color, both above and below, may be described as a dull straw-yellow, tinged with light olivaceous brown above. This latter tint exists in the form of a shading on the centres and towards the tips of the scales, leaving the bases yellowish. The proportion of brown increases towards the back, and in older specimens some- times suppresses the yellow. In all instances a darker shade is seen towards the tip of each scale. The skin between the scales is yel- lowish. The scutelloe anteriorly exhibit each two rather large brown- ish blotches, one on each side of the median line, constituting two rows on the abdomen, which fade out posteriorly. Sometimes the series are not discernible, the blotches spreading so as to constitute a dark shade to the margins and exterior edges of the scutellae. The posterior portions of the plates under, and on the sides of the head, are similarly blotched ; the same tendency being observable on the posterior edges of the plates on the top of the head, by the deeper shade of the olivaceous brown there prevalent. Anteorbitals yellow. Betw. San Antonio 1 -,f,o,oiAAi- c-'^i'-i n ^ t t\ n i™ ^ „ ^ 193+2. 100. 1<. bihi-ii- Col. J. D.Graham. ^' El Paso. ) " 19G+1. 100. 17. 65*. 15J. " NewBraunfeh,Tex. Yd(S-^'2. 'd-i:. 17. 69^15^. F. Lindheimer. ^„, f Capts. Marcy & RedRiver.Ark.t 1^1+2.- H. 57J. - | ^^^^^^J In smaller specimens the blotching beneath is rather more de- cided. In addition to the colors described, the back is crossed by indistinct bars of darker, eight or nine scales wide and half a scale lono-. This color is also seen on the skin between the scales under the dark bars, where the bases of the scales themselves are darker instead of light. There is a tendency towards stripes on the side : first one of light brown, on the outer edge of the abdomen j then an interrupted yellow one at the junction of the abdominal scutellas and outer scales ; then brown again through the centres of the rows. This, however, is not very conspicuous. Sometimes the dark shades on the sides are tinged with reddish. The obsolete transverse bars are seen at intervals of one or two scales. MASTICOPHIS. 101 10. Col.J.D. Graham. Befw. Indtanola & \ t^^ , o np -it c A . C 197+2.95. 17. /San Antonio. ) 4U. 10. Indianola. 194+2. 110. 17. 40. lOi 197+2.110.17. 34f . 9. A specimen from Fort Webster or Copper Mines shows the stripes on the sides much more distinctly, running through all the dorsal rows anteriorly, and crossed by the indistinct bars already referred to. The contrast between the dark chestnut-brown spots on each side, and its deeper centre, with the clear yellow of the edges, is very distinct. Beneath yellow, with the blotches reduced to mere dull spots. Santa Rita del Cohre 211+2.101.17. 39^. lOf. Col. J. D. Graham. 3. Maslicopliis inorinon, B. & G. — Head rather short. Vertical plate with anterior and posterior ends nearly equal, concave between. Pale yellowish red, tinged with gray anterioi-ly. A series of transverse blotches across the back. Syn. Coluber mormon, B. & G. Reptiles in Stansbury's Expl. of Valley of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 351. The only specimen of this species in our possession is immature. Although belonging to a different genus, it is somewhat similar to the young of B. constrictor, though lighter. The occipitals and commis- sure of the mouth are, however, much shorter, the vertical and oc- cipital neai'ly equal in length. Vertical, with the sides concave ; dimensions anteriorly and posteriorly nearly equal. Scales not quite so broad as in Bascanion Foxii, though broader than in B. con- strictor, especially on the anterior row. Above pale yellowish red, more grayish anteriorly. A series of transverse blotches from head to tail, as in Bascanion constrictor, though rather less distinct. Be- neath yellowish, unspotted except on the outer edges. Stouter in its dimensions than the young of Bascanion constrictor. Owing to the immaturity of the specimen, we have felt in doubt whether it should be referred to Bascanion or to Masticoplds. The fact of the 5th labial being in contact with the lower postorbital has rather decided us in favor of the latter. Great SaULake, Utah. 178+1. 100. 17. 13|-. 3 J. Capt.H.Stansbury. 102 MASTICOPinS. B. Dorsal rows 15. Tail about J the total length. 4. Mastlcopllis omatMS, B. & G.— Excessively elongated. Above yerj deep purple, brighter on tlie sides. Beneath mottled. A yellow stripe on each side of the abdomen, and two pairs of short yellow stripes, one be- hind the other, on the anterior part of the body, and in the 4th dorsal rows. In this form the peculiar characters are carried to their maximum of development, and the species should be considered as the true type of the genus. The head is narrow, much elongated, and rather depressed ; being considerably less arched than in 31 flagelliformis. The vertical is very much elongated, a little shorter than the oc- cipital. The muzzle is rather broad anteriorly, owing to the greater than usual development of the anterior frontals. The centre of the eye is considerably in advance of the commissural line, and behind the junction of the fourth and fifth labial. The upper ante- orbital is very large, the lower still smaller than in the other species ; in one specimen it is wanting. The sixth labial scarcely touches the postorbital ; in one specimen being separated by a small plate. The loral is elongated, lower than in M. flagelliformis. Labials 8 above, penultimate largest; 9 or 10 below, the fifth largest. Rostral broader than high, the reverse being the case in M. flagelliformis. Dorsal rows of scales 15. The scales are broad, very large, thin, and per- fectly smooth. The edges are nearly straight, tip truncated and rounded off. They are decidedly broader than in M. flagelliformis. General color above dark purple, becoming almost black towards the back, brighter on the sides. The colors are deeper towards the head. Skin between the scales dark. Beneath yellowish, blotched with black. Anteriorly the blotches are in the form of two quite contiguous rows of broad mottled spots, which become broken pos- teriorly, and overspread the abdomen. Anteriorly these are dark brown, posteriorly they are lighter, and tinged with red. The tail is immaculated, reddish white. A distinct yellow line is seen along the outer edge of the scutellae involving the lower edge of the ex- terior row of scales, and through the five exterior rows of purplish scales run stripes of darker ; the bases of the scales being yellow. A very striking mark is to be seen in two pairs of short yellow stripes on each side, one pair commencing opposite to the 10th scutella, and running back about six scales; the second about opposite the 29th scutella, and running back about 10 or 12 scales. The mark is on MASTICOPHIS. 103 the fourth row and adjacent edges of the 3d and 5th. It is not entirely yellow, but has a light reddish stripe through its centre. There are faint indications of a repetition of these marks of similar character farther behind, but the specimens do not show them distinctly. Betw.IndJanola j ^^3 2. 149. 15. 65^. 22. Col. J. D. Graham. & LI Faso. ) " 204+2. 152. 15. 65. 22. « 5. 3IastiCopIiis tseiiiafus, B. & G. — Abroad brown dorsal stripe margined by a darker line. The four outer rows of scales on each side yellow, with a dark line through the centre of each. A dark line along the edge of the abdomen, making six dark lines on each side. Beneath yellowish. Stn. Leptophis txniata, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181. Owing to the mutilation of the head of the single specimen in our possession, it is impossible to describe this with any degree of accu- racy ; in its general relations, however, it has the plates much as in the preceding species. A longitudinal dorsal band, six and two half-scales wide, olive- brown, each scale with a rather deeper spot in the centre; the four and a half scales on *each side of this band yellow, each row with a narrow brown stripe through its centre, fading out in the tail. There are thus five dark stripes on each side, the fifth above margin- ing the dorsal band. Of these stripes, the 1st and 3d are narrow, each showing a stripe of yellow of the same size on each side of it; the 2d and 3d are closer to each other and broader. Beneath yel- lowish, with a distinct dark stripe on each side, just within the external row of dorsal scales. The scutellse otherwise immaculated, except a few scattered dots towards the head, exhibiting a tendency to ar- rangement in two rows. Extreme bases of all the scales black. California. 209+2. 157. 15. 48 i. 14. Dr. W. Gambel. 104 SALVADOR A. Genus SAIiVADORA, Baird & Girard, Gen. Char. Head elliptical, detached from the body by a con- tracted neck. Snout protruding. Cephalic plates normal. Edges of rostral free. Two nasals. One loral. Two, occasionally three anteorbitals and two postorbitals. Temporal shields small, scalelike. Eyes quite large. Two pairs of mental scutellae. Tail slender. Body covered with smooth scales. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all bifid. Color diversified, in longitudinal bands. Salvadora, GraJiamlae, B. & G. — A dorsal ochraceous band or vitta, on each side of wbich a black one of the same -width. Flanks yellow- ish green. Abdomen uniform dull yellow. Dorsal scales in 17 rows. Head conical, rostral plate very prominent, with edges free, ap- pearing as if fastened on the outside of the snout after all the others had taken their place. Prefrontals proportionally large, forming the upper edge of the nostrils, and widely separated, for the two anterior thirds of their length, by the rostral. Postfrontals but slightly larger than the prefrontals, like the latter, subrouuded, longitudi- nally narrow, transversely elongated, and produced slightly between the postnasal and the loral, on the sides of the head. Vertical sub- pentagonal, much elongated, tapering posteriorly without being pointed. Occipitals elongated, posteriorly truncated, sides rounded. Prenasal larger, subtrapezoidal ; postnasal subquadrangular ; nostril situated at the antero-posterior angle of the postnasal. Loral sub- triaugular, base in an horizontal line with the head ; apex upwards produced between the postfrontal and the upper anteorbital. Upper anteorbital large, angular, produced to the upper surface of the head between the superciliaries and postfrontals. Inferior anteorbitals small and quadrangular, lowest situated on the commissure between the 4th and 5th labials. Postorbitals angular, equal in size. Two pretemporals, shields somewhat larger than rest, which are scarcely larger than the scales. Mouth deeply cleft, undulating. Upper SALVADOR A. 105 labials 9 ; lib. largest, the 4 anterior ones comparatively small. Lower labials not conspicuous, 10 in number, 5tli largest, the three posterior ones scarcely to be distinguished from the scales. Posterior pair of mental scutellse much smaller than the anterior, extending to the middle of the fifth inferior labial. Body subcylindrical, elongated, tail subconical, tapering, forming about the i of the total length. Scales elliptical, disposed in 17 rows ; outer row somewhat broader, the rest slightly diminishing to- wards the dorsal region. Surface of head brown. An ochraceous vitta extends from the occiput to near the end of the tail, embracing anteriorly three rows of scales, and posteriorly one row, and two adjoining halves to oppo- site the anus; on the tail it covers two half scales. On each side of this a black vitta runs parallel, and covers the same number of scales anteriorly and posteriorly, except on the tail, where it is narrower, and embraces only half a scale. The antero-inferior margin of the scales in the black vitta is yellowish green. The remaining portion of the flanks, embracing four rows of scales, and the extremities of the scutellse, is uniform yellowish green, with the bases of the scales blackish, as is also the skin. The abdomen is uniform dull yellow. Sonora,Mex. 180+1.97.17. 28 J. 7 J. Col. J. D. Graham. 106 LEPTOPHIS. Genus liEPTOPHIS, Bell. Gen. Char. Head conical, very much swollen on the temporal region, separated from the body by a very small neck, and tapering considerably on the snout, which is protruding. Cephalic plates normal. One nasal plate. One loral. One anteorbital and two postorbitals. Eyes large. Cleft of mouth deep and curved. Tail slender and very long, forming more than J of the total length. Scales in 17 rows, carinated, except the first and second rows, which are smooth. Postabdominal scutellse bifid. Subcaudal all bifid. Unicolor. Syn. LeptopMs, Bell, in Zool. Journ. II, 1826, 328. 1. Ijeptopliis aestivus, Holbr. — Body reddish green above; yel- lowisli Tvbite beneatli. Dorsal scales in 17 rows. Stn. Coluber sesHvus, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 387. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1114.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 857 ; and Med. & Phys. Kes. 1835, 121. Leptophia xsiivus, Bell, Zool. Journ. II, 1826, 329. — Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 17. PI. iii. Angiiis viridis, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 57. PI. Ivii. Green Snake, Bartr. Trav. in Carol., Geo. and Flo., 1791, 16. Head regularly ovoidal. Vertical plate elongated, subpentagonal, diminishing posteriorly, though not acute. Occipitals elongated, tapering posteriorly, and subtruncated. Frontals subrounded ; pre- frontals smaller than postfrontals by about one-fourth. Rostral rounded, broader than high. Nostril in the middle of the nasal. Loral subtrapezoidal. Anteorbital angular, much broader above than below. Postorbitals subangular, lower one the smallest. Su- perciliary well developed, irregularly oblong. A large pretemporal shield, and three or four smaller ones. Upper labials 7 ; 0th slightly the largest. Lower labials 8 ; 5fch the largest. Posterior mental scutellae slender and elongated, extending beyond the 5th lower labial. LEPTOPHIS. 107 Scales subelllptically elongated, strongly carinated except the outer row, which is perfectly smooth, and the 2d row, which is but slightly carinated. These two external rows are broader than the rest, espe- cially the outermost. Anderson, S. G. i( Kemper Co., Miss, a Virginia. Anne Ar. Co., Md. 157+1. 130. 17. 154+1. 134. 17. 154+1. 128. 17. 154+1. 129. 17. 154+1. 126. 17. 155+1. 135. 17. 25i Of. 24. 9f. 27f . lOi. 25. 10. 33i. 8i. 21f. 8J. Miss C Paine, a D. C. Lloyd. i( J. H. Clark. 2. L>toE£ia, COCCinea, Holbr.— Body yellowish red (said to be crimson iu life), crossed by pairs of black rings, enclosing each a yellow one. Stn. Coluber coccineus, Blum, in Licht. and Voigi, Magaz. V, 1788. PI. v. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1097.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 356; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 119. HeUrodon coccineus, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 102. PI. iii, figs. 15 and 16. Rhinostoma coccinea, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 125. PI. xxx. Scarlet Snake. • Body slender, cylindrical, tense, and rigid. Dorsal scales rhom- boidal, rather elongated. Vertical plate very large, cordiform or sub- hexagonal, almost as broad anteriorly as long; obtuse angled before, acute angled behind ; the two outer sides short, parallel. Occipitals large, a little longer than the vertical. Postfrontals large ; prefrontals much smaller. Rostral projecting forwards, acute, causing the snout to be pointed, not recurved nor compressed into a ridge as in Heterodon. Eye small, its centre over the 3d labial, and over the middle of the commissure. Postorbitals two ; anteorbital one. The superciliaries are very small and narrow, in one specimen looking like an upper postorbital. One line of temporal shields. Loral small. One nasal; nostril situated in its centre, with a rounded groove to the lower edge, sometimes to the upper, apparently separating two nasals. Upper labials 6, the 3d constituting the greater portion of the orbit RHINOSTOMA. 110 below, with the lower postorbital resting upon it : all the labials nearly equal in size; 4th and 5th largest. Lower labials 8, 5th largest. » The back and sides are embraced by about 20 elongated longitu- dinal black rings (the 16th opposite the anus), their anterior and posterior sides on the dorsal line, their lateral resting on the outer dorsal row. Across the back the black is well defined and continu- ous, about two scales long ; on the sides, however (from the 1st to the 3d rows), the black is interrupted more or less, sometimes re- duced to a few scattered scales. The intervals between the succes- sive rings are yellow, with the centres of the scales dusky (they sometimes have only a narrow margin of yellowish), and on the sides may be seen a distinct rhomboidal black spot opposite each dorsal light interval. This is sometimes broken up, and confused with the black of the rings on the sides. The large spaces enclosed by the rings themselves are yellowish red (said to be crimson in life), six to nine scales long, and about thirteen wide : they are variable in length, being larger at about the anterior third than elsewhere. Beneath uniform yellowish white. The first ring crosses just behind the occipital plates, and in front of it is a narrow black band crossing the middle of the occipitals, from one angle of the mouth to the other, sometimes connected with the first ring by a narrow black line. Rest of the head yellowish. Another specimen has 26 rings, the 20th opposite the anus. Anderson, S. C. 169. 35. 19. 17i 2. Miss C Paine. Ricehoro, Ga. 166. 45. 19. 18i. 2|. Dr. W. L. Jones. Mississippi. — — — Dr. B. F. Shumard. A specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge has the whole lower wall of the orbit constituted by the 3d labial, with both anterior and pos- terior orbitals resting upon it. The vertical is more elongated. The anterior dorsal ring, instead of being continuous, is divided an- teriorly, and the ends, after approximating, are bent back on the oc- cipitals, and extend to the eye. The snout, too, seems rather more pointed. Prairie 3Ier Rouge, La. 166. 36. 19. 13|. 2i. Jas. Fairie. 120 RHINOCHEILUS. Genus ROHVOCHEILUS, Baird & Girakd. Gen. Char, Head subelliptical, pointed on the snout, and sepa- rated from the body by a contracted neck. Rostral plate large, but not prominent above. Two pairs of frontal plates. Vertical hex- agonal. Two nasals; nostrils intermediate. One loral. One an- terior and two postorbitals. Superciliaries large. Eyes also large, over the 4th and 5th upper labial. Mouth large. Scales smooth, in 23 rows. Postabdominal scutella entire. Subcaudal scutellse all un- divided. RblnocbeilUS L.eCOntei, B. & G. — A dorsal series of quadrate black blotches, with the intermediate spaces of the same size, and pale red. Flanks variegated with yellowish and black; beneath lighter, unicolor. Head distinct from the body ; broad behind, nearly flat above. Vertical plate hexagonal, elongated, largest anteriorly, the lateral edges tapering, and constituting the longest sides of the figure. Superciliaries quite large. Occipitals subangular, proportionally small. Prefrontals large compared to the postfrontals. Rostral prominent forwards, rounded beneath, tapering upwards. Eyes large, over the junction of the 4th and 5th upper labials, about opposite the middle of the commissure. Postorbitals two, lower in notch be- tween the 5th and 6th labials, although resting more on the latter. Anteorbital large, resting on the 4th labial, the 4th and 5th labials constituting equally the inferior part of the orbit. Loral elongated, horizontal, trapezoidal, well developed. Nasals apparently double, perhaps a single one very much excavated. Two temporal shields between the occipitals and labials. Labials 8 above, 7th largest; 8 below, 5th largest. Dorsal rows of scales 23, all per- fectly smooth ; scales rhomboidal, nearly equal, but rather narrow above. Abdominal scutellae 206 ; posterior one entire. Subcaudal scutelloe 40, all entire. RHINOCHEILUS. 121 The body is crossed by about 33 quadrate black blotches, the 27th opposite the anus. These are nearly of the same length, and of the same distance apart throughout, four scales long, and extending be- tween the second external rows, where their sides are rather rounded or angulated. The black is very deep, and continuous on the four or five central rows of scales, whence to the flanks it is varied by having the centres of each scale reddish yellow. The intervals between the blotches are exactly the reverse ; above they are uni- form pale red, and on the sides the centres of each scale are black. Sometimes scattered black scales may be observed on the back in the light spaces. Beneath yellowish white, unspotted. The two outer rows of scales of the same color, but with a short black bar extend- ing from the middle of each light and dark space, perpendicularly to the abdomen, the extreme edge of which is sometimes involved. The head and half its length behind are black, spotted with yellowish on the sides. The snout and labials yellowish, the plates margined with black. ^an Diego, Cal. 206. 40. 23. 21. 2^. Dr. John L. Leconte. 122 HALDEA. GrENUs H A li B E A, Baird & GmARD. GrEN. Char. Head elongated, ellipsoid, distinct from the body. Prefrontal plate single. Postfrontals large, entering together with the loral into the orbit, thus suppressing the anteorbitals. Postorbital one. Two nasals. Eyes proportionally large, circular. Scales cari- nated. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudals divided. Unicolor. Haldea sfriatula, B. & G. — Grayish brown above, soiled yellow beneath, (said to be reddish gray above, and salmon-colored beneath, in life). A narrow light chestnut band across the middle of the occipitals, spreading over the angle of the mouth. Dorsal scales in 17 rows. Stn. Coluber striahilus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 375.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1087.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 354; and Med. & Phys. Ptes. 1835, 117. Calamaria striatula, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 43. — Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 123. PI. xxix. Brown Snake. Vertical plate elongated, hexagonal. Occipitals proportionally very long, subround exteriorly. Prefrontal subtriangular. Portion of postfrontals seen from above, oblong, dilated on the face, and ap- proximating the postnasal and upper part of the orbit. Kostral tapering upwards. Nostril opening in the posterior margin of the prenasal plate. Loral elongated, situated above the 2d and 3d labials, and forming, with the postfrontal, the anterior part of the orbit. Eyes circular. Superciliaries proportionally large. One angular postorbital, elevated, the fourth labial forming the lower portion of the posterior part of the orbit. Temporal shields of medium size. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 5 ; 4th and 5th very large. Inferior labials 6 ; 5th disproportioually the largest. Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail short, and very much tapering. Scales lanceolated, in 17 rows, all carinated, very narrow along the back; outer row conspicuously broader, with an obsolete carination. Richmond, Va. 128+1. 36. 17. 9f. If. C. W. Keesee. (C 129+1. 37. 17. 7i. If. u Charleston, S. C 126+1. 46. 17. n. It. Dr. S. B. Barker. a 123+1. 46. 17. 71. U. a Kemper Co., Miss. 125+1. 44. 17. 8J. If. D. C. Lloyd. FARANCIA. 123 Genus FARAI¥CIA, Gray. Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, elongated, slightly distinct from the body. Prefrontal plate single. One nasal, grooved beneath the nostril. No anteorbital ; postfrontal and loral constituting the an- terior portion of the orbit. Two postorbitals. Eyes rather small. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal in pairs. Syn, '^arancia, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 68 ; and Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 74. Farancia abacurus, B. & G.— Body and head above bluish black, with subquadrate red spots on the flanks. Abdomen red, with transverse or alternating bluish black irregular spots. Dorsal scales disposed in 19 rows. » Syn. Coluber abacurus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 119. PI. xxiii. Homalopsis Reimvardtii, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 357. Hydrops Reimvardtii, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 67. Hydrops abacurus, Dum. & Bibr. Erp. Gen. Tab. 65. Helicops abacurus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 111. PI. xxvi. Farancia Drummondi, Gray, Zool. Misc. 1842, 68. Farancia fasciata. Gray, Catal. of Snakes, Brit. Mus. 1849, 74. Red-Bellied Snake ; Horn Snake. Vertical plate subhexagonal, elongated, sides nearly parallel, pointed posteriorly. Occipitals elongated, angular, posteriorly taper- ing. Postfrontals subangular, entering in the orbit. Prefrontal angular, well developed. Rostral much broader than high, concave beneath. Nostril in the middle of the nasal plate, visible from above. Loral elongated, horizontal, forming together with the postfrontal, the anterior part of the orbit. Eyes circular. Superciliaries sub- angular, elongated, well developed. Two angular postorbitals, upper one largest, lower one resting on the commissure between the 4th and 5 th labials. One pre temporal shield, large, and four smaller ones. Upper labials 7 ; 5th and 6th slightly larger. Lower labials 8, 4th largest ; the two posterior ones scale-like. Mental scutellse two 124 FARANCIA. pairs, nearly equal in length, posterior pair more tapering. Body subcylindrical, opalescent; tail proportionally short and conical. Scales perfectly smooth, rhomboidal ; outer row somewhat broader than the rest. The five medial rows smaller. Color uniform bluish black above. On the two outer rows the ground-color assumes the shape of vertical bands, from one and a half to two scales broad, leaving an intermediate space from two to three scales wide, which is red in life, and dull yellow in spe- cimens preserved in alcohol. Both the red and bluish black extend on the abdomen, the former being the ground-color, and the vertical bands of the flank confluent on the middle of the abdomen, either directly opposite or alternating. Anderso7i, S. C. 171+2. 47. 19. Prairie 3Ier Rouge, La. 173+2. 47. 19. " 173+2. 47. 19. a _ _ 19. _ _ « « — — 19. — — " 31i 51. Miss C. Paine. 30 J. 7|. Jas. Fairie. 16. 2f. li ABASTOR. 125 Genus ABA8TOR, Gray. ■ Gen. Char. Head subconical, continuous with the body. Cepha- lic plates normal. Vertical plate elongated. One nasal, grooved beneath the nostril. No anteorbitals. One loral together with the postfrontals constituting the orbit anteriorly. Two postorbitals. Eyes of medium size, circular. Scales smooth. Penultimate and last abdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all bifid. Syn. Ahastor, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 78. Abactor erytliro^ramniMS, Gray. — Bluish black, opalescent, "with three longitudinal lines of dull yellow (red in life). Abdomen dull yellow (flesh-colored in life), with a series of bluish-black spots on each side. Dorsal scales in 19 rows. Syn. Coluber erythrogrammus, Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. VII, 1799, 93. Tab. 83, fig. 2.— HoLBK.*N. Amer. Herp. 1st ed. I, 1836, 115. PI. xxii. Helicops erythrogrammus, Wagl. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 170. — Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 107. PI. xxv. Homalopsis erythrogrammus, Boie, Isis. 1827, 551. Abastor erythrogrammus, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 78. Vertical plate subhexagonal, long, maintaining its width posteriorly to the point where it enters between the occipitals. Occipitals long, anteriorly and posteriorly angular, rounded exteriorly. Postfrontals polygonal, entering into the orbit. Prefrontals proportionally small and subtriangular. Rostral very broad. Nostril in the middle of the nasal, with a groove beneath. Eyes very large. Loral narrow, forming with the postfrontals the anterior portion of the orbit. Su- perciliaries large, elongated, sides undulated. Two rounded post- orbitals, lower one smallest. A very long temporal shield extending backwards beyond the occipitals, and two or three smaller ones, scarcely distinguishable from the scales. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 7, Cth larger; lower labials 7; 4th larger. Two pairs of 126 ABASTOR. mental shields, posterior pair smallest, extending backwards beyond the 4th inferior labial. Scales subrhomboidal, smooth, constituting 19 longitudinal rows ; outer rows considerably larger, the other nearly equal amongst themselves, except the second row, which is somewhat larger. Ground-color above bluish black. Dorsal longitudinal red line narrow, embracing only the medial rows of scales, extending from the occipitals to a little way beyond the anus. On each side of this there are three rows of scales of the ground-color. Then a longitu- dinal red line, broader than the medial one, though covering only one row of scales, then again three rows of the ground-color. Of the remaining two outer rows of scales, the outermost is uniform red- dish yellow, and the bases of the scales of the second row have a spot of bluish black. Beneath, two series of bluish black subelliptical and transverse spots, one spot on the exterior third and anterior margin of each scutella. The plates of the head are narrowly mar- gined with yellow. The labials are yellow, with a central black spot. Southern States. (?) 182+1. 37. 19. 15|. 2f. Rev. J. O. Morris. « 185+1. — 19. 14f. I. " Savannah, Ga. 179+1.41.19. 10. Ij. R. R. Cuyler. « 179+1. 37. 19. 10. If. " VIRGINIA. 127 Genus VIRGII^IA, Baird & Girard. .^^i-^ ^<^' Gen. Chajr. Head subelliptical, detached from the body. Cepha- lic plates normal. Two nasals; posterior one not invaded by the nostril. Postfrontals and loral entering into the orbit, and suppress- ing the anteorbitals. Two postorbitals. Mental scutellse two pairs. Eyes of medium size, circular. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided. Virginia Valerise, B. & G. — Yellowish or grayish brown above, with minute black dots irregularly scattered, or constituting two series. Beneath lighter. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. Vertical plate hexagonal, more or less elongated; occipitals ob- long, exteriorly rounded. Postfrontals irregularly angular, produced into the orbit. Prefrontals subtriangular, proportionally small. Rostral narrow, and tapering upwards. Nostrils in the middle of the posterior margin of the prenasal. Loral elongated, forming to- gether with the postfrontals, the anterior portion of the orbit. Eyes circular. Superciliaries rather large, oblong, elongated. Postorbitals two (angular), lower one between the 4th and 5th labials. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 6, 5th largest; inferior labials 6, 4th largest. Temporal shields four or five, well developed. Body slen- der, subcylindrical, flattened beneath ; tail very short, diminishing very rapidly towards its acute tip. The scales are subrhomboidal and perfectly smooth ; the two outer rows considerably broader than the rest, then diminishing gradually towards the middle line of the back. Ground-color uniform yellowish or grayish brown ; dull yellow beneath. Minute black dots are in most cases scattered along the upper part of the body, forming sometimes two longitudinal series. Along the middle of each scale is a faint light line, which makes the 128 VIRGINIA. body appear as if striated. On the outer rows this light line is broader, and appears as a succession of oblong spots. Kent Co., Md. 127+1. 25. 15. 91. 1 1 X4. Miss V. Blaney. Maryland. 122+1. 36. 15. 71. 1*. Prof.C.B.Adams. Washington, D. C. 123+1. 25. 15. n- (on dep.) J. Varden. a 125+1. 24. 15. Si. u. a (C 128+1. 25. 15. 101 . u. (C (C 125+1. 29. 15. 8i. li. a Anderson, S. C. 125+1. 27. 15. Sh U- Miss C. Paine. (( 118+1. 25. 15. 71. 1. » CELUTA. 129 Genus C E Ij U T A, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head elongated, subelliptical, continuous with the body. Cephalic plates normal. Vertical broad. Superciliaries very small. One nasal, nostril in the middle. No anteorbital. Orbit formed chiefly by the loral, which is large, and slightly by the post- frontals. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudals divided. Unicolor. DiflPers from Bracliyorrhos in having two pairs of frontals, and smooth scales. Celuta. ailioena, B. & G. — Above uniform chestnut-brown, opa- lescent ; light yellow (bright salmon-color in life) beneath. Dorsal scales in 13 rows. Stn. Coluber amsenus, Say, Jo urn. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. IV, 1825, 237. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 855 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 118.— Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 226. Calamaria amoena, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 31. PL i, figs. 19 and 20. Brachyorrhos amsenus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 115. PI. xxvii. Ground Snake ; Worm Snake. Head very small; vertical plate hexagonal, nearly as broad as long. Prefrontals angular, one-third the size of postfrontals, which are likewise angular, and enter posteriorly into the upper portion of the orbit in front. Occipitals proportionally large. Rostral broad, and well developed. Nasal single, nostril in the middle of the an- terior half. A large loral forming with the postfrontal the anterior part of the orbit. A quadrangular and elevated postorbital. Super- ciliaries very small and narrow. Snout protruding. Eyes circular, over the commissure of the 3d and 4th labial. Upper labials 5, 5th largest. Inferior labial 6, 3d largest. Temporal shields well de- veloped. Body very glossy, subcylindrical. Tail short, tapering into a point. Scales rhomboidal, broad, all perfectly smooth. Outer row somewhat larger. Postabdominal scutella bifid. 9 130 CELUTA. The specimen figured by Schlegel, and which he had from Ten- nessee, exhibits only one pair of frontal plates, whilst the numerous specimens from the eastern part of the United States, examined by us, are all provided with two such pairs. Of two specimens from Missssippi, one corresponds exactly with the figure given by Schlegel, whilst the other has three frontal plates, a posterior pair, and the right plate of the anterior pair. This circumstance has warned us against distinguishing, for the present, a western species from an eastern. Schlegel had ten individuals in his possession, but we are not told whether they all agreed together, as no importance is given by that author to the presence of one pair of frontals only. Should all the western specimens agree in the deficiency of the prefrontals, this would undoubtedly become a character of some importance. Carlisle, Pa. 128+1. 30. 13. 111. If- S. F. Baird. (I 120+1. 36. 13. 81. n. (( (I 131+1. 29. 13. 10^. li. (C (C 120+1. 33. 13. 6f. n. <( Foxhurg, Pa. 119 + 1. 26. 13. 7. 15 (I Washington, D. C 131+1. 28. 13. lOf. If. J. Varden. Mount Vernon, Pa. 129+1. 27. 13. 12. li W. B. Parker. Clarke Co., Va. 131+1. 24. 13. lOK • is- Dr. C. B. Kennerly. Anderson, S. C. 131+1. 28. 13. 101. h% Miss C. Paine. cc 126+1. 27. 13. lOi. 1|. a (C 130+1. 26. 13. lOJ. li. a Mississippi. 120+1. 33. 13. 8|. Ill Dr.B.F.Shumard. (( 121+1. 35. 13. H. u. a TANTILLA. 131 Genus TA1VTIL.L.A, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head sleuder, continuous with the body. Cephalic plates normal. Postfrontals proportionally large, separated from the labials to which they approximate, between the postnasal and ante- orbital. Two nasals, nostrils in the anterior plate. No loral. An- terior orbital one ; posterior one or two. Eyes below the medium size. Body slender, subcylindrical ; tail tapering. Scales smooth in in 15 rows. Postabdominal scutella bifid. Subcaudal all divided. Unicolor. 1. Tantilla. COronata, B. & G. — One anteorbital, two postorbitals. Body uniform reddish brown ; head deep chestnut-brown, with a black band across the neck above, in advance of which is a narrow lighter space. Snout prominent. Vertical plate hexagonal, anteriorly and pos- teriorly acute. Occij)itals slender, rounded exteriorly. Postfrontals angular, excluded frort}. the orbit, though extending on the sides of the head. Prefrontals triangular. Rostral proportionally broad. Nostrils situated on the posterior margin of the prenasal plate, and visible frqm above. Postnasal elongated, contiguous anteriorly to the anteorbital plate, and above to the postfrontal. No loral plate. Eyes rather small, circular. Superciliaries proportionally large, angular. Anteorbital one ; postorbitals two, all angular. A large pretemporal shield, and two smaller ones behind. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 7; 7th the largest; 3d and 4th beneath the eye. In- ferior labials 7 ; 4th the largest. Mental scutellae one pair. Body slender, tail rather short, tapering into a point. Scales subelliptical, considerably broader in outer row. Ground-color of body uniform reddish brown ; light beneath. Head deep chestnut-brown ; upper part of neck with a blackish brown half-ring, covering 3 scales in length, between which and the head a narrow space of the ground-color exists, across the tip of the occipitals. Kemper Co., Miss. 143+1. 35. 15. 8|. 1/g. D. C. Lloyd. 132 TANTILLA. 5J. Tantilla gracilis, B. & G. — Anterior and postorbitals one each. Color uniform greenish brown above, lighter beneath ; head darker. Vertical plate subhexagonal, much shorter than in T. coronata. Postfrontals separated from 2d upper labial by the postnasal. Nostril in the postmargin of the prenasal. Eyes very small and circular. Superciliaries proportionally smaller and narrower than in T. coro- nata. One anteorbital and one postorbital, both angular. Mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 6 ; 5th and 6th equally larger than the rest; 3d and 4th beneath the eye, entering slightly into the orbit anteriorly and posteriorly. Temporal shields two, narrow and elon- gated. Body slender and subcylindrical, covered above with sub- rhomboidal or elliptical and smooth scales, constituting 15 rows ; outer row but slightly larger than the three or four succeeding rows. Tail very slender. Ground-color uniform greenish brown, lighter beneath. Head darker. Indianola. 129+1. 45. 15. 7i. If. Col. J. D. Graham. " — — 15. « OSCEOLA. • 133 Genus O S C E O li A, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, distinct from the body. Cepha- lic plates normal. Vertical hexagonal. Postfrontals very large, ex- tending to the upper labials, and suppressing the loral. Two nasals, with nostril intermediate. One anterior and two posterior orbitals. Mental scutellse 2 pairs. Eyes large. Body slender, subcylindrical. Tail tapering. Scales smooth. Postabdominal scutella entire. Sub- caudal bifid. Osceola elapsoidea, B. & G. — Body red, crossed by pairs of black rings enclosing each a white one. Scales disposed in 19 rows. Syn. Calamaria elapsoidea, Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 119. PI. xxviii. Snout projecting over the lower jaw; mouth deeply cleft. Verti- cal plate hexagonal, longer than broad anteriorly. Occipitals large, elongated, and angular. Postfrontals very large, extending to the 2d upper labial. Prefrontals proportionally well developed and tra- pezoidal. Rostral very broad. Nostrils very large, occupying the whole inner margin of the nasals, and visible from above. Ante- orbital narrow, resting on the 3d labial. Middle of the eye over the commissure of the 3d and 4th labial. Two angular postorbitals, in- ferior one situated on the commissure, between the 4th and 5th labials. One large temporal shield, anterior, several posterior ones smaller. Upper labials 7, 6th largest ; inferior labials 7, 5th largest. Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad j tail forming about the eighth of the total length. Scales rhomboidal, perfectly smooth, constituting 19 rows; the outer row slightly broader than the rest. Ground-color brilliant red above, fading below, annulated with 15 pairs of jet-black rings from head to anus, and three pairs on the 184 OSCEOLA. tail, each pair enclosing a white ring. Head from the eyes to the snout red, vertical plate maculated with black. A black bar across the occipitals to the temporal shields, and another on the neck, between which a yellowish ring, narrow above, and spreading over the angle of the mouth, post upper labials and inferior surface of the head. The )>lack rings cover from two to three scales, and the inter- mediate white, one scale. The red spaces between the black em- brace from 4 to 7 scales. The black rings taper towards the sides, whilst the white ones are spreading. Charleston, S. C. 175. 44. 19. 17|. 2f . Dr. S. B. Barker. In a specimen from Mississippi there are 21 pairs of black rings from the head to the anus, narrower than in the specimen from Charleston, and interrupted on the abdomen. The intermediate white is of about the same width in each. On the tail there are 5 pairs of black rings, all the rings at the same distance apart, and equal in width to their interspaces. Mississippi. 180. 54. 19. 17. 2i Dr. B. F. Shumard. STORERIA. 135 Genus STOKERIA, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head subelliptical, distinct from the body. Cephalic plates normal. Loral plate absent. Orbitals, two posterior; one or two anterior. Nasals two, rather large. Body small, scarcely ex- ceeding a foot in length, subcylindrical ; tail comparatively short, tapering. Dorsal scales 15-17 rows, all carinated. Abdominal scutellae 120-140 ; posterior one bifid. Subcaudal, all divided, from 41 to 51 in number. Color brown, with two dorsal dotted lines. 1. Storeria Ueiiayi, B. & G. — One anterior and two posterior orbitals. Dorsal rows 17. Gray or chestnut-brown above, with a clay- colored dorsal band, margined by dotted lines. A dark patch on each side of the occipital ; a dark bar between this and the eye, and two below the orbit. Syn. Tropidonotus Dekayi, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 53. PI. xiv. — Dekay, N. York Fauna. Kept. 1842, 46. PI. xiv, fig. 30. Tropidonotus ordinatus* ^to'rer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 223, Body rather thick in the middle, tapering to the tail and head, both of which are small and slender. Eyes small. Nostril princi- pally in the prenasal. Seven upper labials on each side. Lower labials seven, of which the 4th and 5th are very large, extending quite to the mental. A second plate parallel with the 6th, rather longer. Exterior dorsal row of scales largest, rest diminishing gra- dually to the back. Color grayish brown, sometimes chestnut-brown above and on the sides, with a dorsal stripe extending from occiput to the end of the tail, of a decidedly lighter tint, and about three and two half-scales in width. This is bordered along each outer edge by a series of rounded brown dots, occurring at intervals of about two scales ; of these there are about 70 pairs from occiput to anus. Each dot occu- pies generally a single scale, but is sometimes seen on the skin on each side. On separating the scales, the skin on each side of the 4th lateral row of scales exhibits a second series, similar to and 136 STOKERIA. alternating with the first. A third series opposite to the first and alternating with the 2d, is seen along the 2d row, and there are even traces of a fourth between the abdominal and first dorsal series. Of these only the first-mentioned series is visible under ordinary circum- stances, and is generally only to be made out on separating the scales, the color only occasionally being shown on their margins. The first pair of dots just behind and across the angle of the jaw is enlarged into a crescentic patch, concave before. A second narrow vertical patch of black across the sides of the head, anterior to a point'half- way between the first and the eye ; this sometimes interrupted in the middle. The posterior margins of the 3d and 4th (sometimes the 2d) labials black, showing two vertical lines below the orbit. Plates on top of head mottled chestnut-brown. Color beneath grayish white, with one or two black specks near the exterior edge of each scale. Tail unicolor. In some specimens the brown of the sides increases in depth to the dorsal stripe. In some, too, a transverse bar connects the lateral spots across the back. In a very young specimen from Grosse lie, the colors are dark chestnut above, with the interval between the occipital patches and the cephalic plates and orbit white, crossed by a vertical black line on the angle of the mouth. Length 42 inches. Racine, Wise. 128+1. 47. 17. 13. 21. Dr. P. R. Hoy. Grosse lie, Mich. 125+1- 50. 17. 8i. If. Rev. Chas. Fox. Cleveland, Ohio. 131+1. 48. 17. lU. 2}. Dr. Kirtland. Wesfport, N. T. 123+1. 61. 17. lOf. 2f. S. F. Baird. Harrishurg, Pa. 120+1. — 17. 7f. 2^ a Framingham, Mass. 127+1. 45. 17. in 2-J. u Fittshurgh, Fa. — G. VV.Fahnestock. Washington, D. a 129+1. 41. 17. 12. 2i. S. F. Baird. Anderson, S. C. 120+1. 17. 9J. 3i Miss C. Paine, a 130+1. 47. 17. 12 i 2^ (( Georgia. 186+1. 49. 17. Major Leconte. New Orleans. ? 124+1. 46. 17. 11. 2. J. Varden. New Braunfels, Tex - — - — F. Lindheimer. STORERIA. 137 2. Storeria occipilo-maculata, B. & G.— Orbitals 1, two an- terior, two posterior. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. Above gray, or chestnut- brown, sometimes with a paler vertebral line ; beneath red or salmon-color. Three distinct light colored spots behind the head, and a smaller one on the 4th or 5th upper labial. Stn. Tropidonotus occipito-maculaiiis. Stoker, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 230. Coluber venusius, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. Ill, 1847, 274; and vol. IV, 1849, 245. Nostril almost entirely in the prenasal plate, in some cases the postnasal not entering at all into it. Five to six upper labials, increasing in length posteriorly, lower labials 6 to 7, similarly con- stituted. Vertical plate hexagonal, shield-shaped. Muzzle rather broad, eyes larger than in >S^. Dehayi. Color above light chestnut-brown, sometimes chestnut-gray, at others olivaceous : a paler vertebral line from occiput to end of tail, about three scales in width ; on each side of this may be seen a series of minute brown spots, produced by the brown bases of the scales in the 3d row on each side from the central series. Sometimes the brown covers the whole scale, and gives rise to two dorsal lines; at others it is almost entirely wanting, and this, connected as it gene- rally is with a less ditstinct vertebral band, gives the impression of a uniform tint above. Upper margin of the exterior dorsal lines brighter yellowish, giving the effect in some cases of a lateral narrow light line. Abdomen in life salmon-color, in alcohol whitish yellow, with the sides finely mottled with dark-brown, sometimes obsoletely, at others constituting very distinct bands. These generally do not encroach upon the dorsal scales. Occasionally, however, the middle of the exterior row of scales exhibits a dark stripe. Immediately behind the occipital plates, and on the median line, is seen a dull salmon-colored blotch, on each side of which, over the angle of the jaws, is a similar smaller one. The intervals between these blotches sometimes darker. A small salmon-colored spot on the 4th or 5th upper labial, behind the orbit. Plates on the top of the head blotched with darker. Lower jaw minutely dotted with brown. Description of a living specimen caught at Westport, N. Y., Au- gust, 1847. — "Iris dark chestnut, rather lighter above and ex- ternally. General color above dull chestnut-brown. Attentively examined, however, when wet, there is seen a faint dorsal stripe of 138 STORERJA- lighter color, bordered by a line on each side of darker, which fades off to the abdominal scutellae until the color is the same as the dorsal line, or even lighter. Behind the head are three light yellowish brown occipital spots. AVhole under parts, except the chin or throat, bright brick-red. Chin and throat white, mottled finely with gray and black, like pepper and salt. An irregularly defined stripe of the same mottling along the sides, from head to anus, crossing the ab- dominal scutellae near the outside."— S. F. Baird, Mss. Wesfport, iV. Y. 124+1. 43. 15. 9j. If. S. F. Baird. Portland, Me. — — — Prof. Caldwell. Lake Superior. — — — Prof. Agassiz. Racine, Wise. — — — Dr. P. R. Hoy. Foxburg, Pa. — — — S. F. Baird. Madrid, N. T. 128+1. 50. 15. 11. 2|. E. A. Dayton. Pittshurgh, Pa. — — — G. "W. Fahnestock. Pottsville, Pa. — — — Mr. Sheafer. Charleston, S. C. — — — Dr. S. B. Barker. Anderson, S. C. — — — — — Miss C Paine. Georgia. — — — — — Major Leconte. A very strongly marked variety, which the condition of the speci- mens does not allow us to characterize or determine as a species, is seen in individuals from Charleston and Anderson, S. C, in which the body is dark slate-blue, except the middle third of the abdomen, which is yellowish white. The dorsal lines of black dots are visible through the ground-color ; the lateral lighter line is scarcely per- ceptible. The three occipital spots, and that on the labials, are distinct. Charleston, S. C. — Dr. S.B. Barker. Anderson, S. C. 125+1. 53. 15. 8 J. 2i. MissC. Paine. r Dr. B. F. Mar Mammoth Cave, Ky. 118 + 1. 47. 15. %\. 2. < ^^ ^ Another variety is seen in a specimen from Pittsburgh, Pa., where, in addition to the coloration just mentioned, the vertebral stripe is light chestnut, contrasting strongly with the ground-color. WENONA. 139 Genus IV E !¥ © !¥ A, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head small, conical, slightly swollen on the tempo- ral region, though not separated from the body by a contracted neck. Snout protruding beyond the lower jaw. Mouth moderately cleft. Eyes very small. A broad and short vertical 3 two or three pairs of frontals. Occipitals very small, the size of the superciliaries. One nasal, a posterior one; nostril between it and the prefrontals, which extend over the place occupied elsewhere by the prenasal. Loral united with postfrontals or separated. One very large anteorbital ; two or more postorbitals. Numerous small temporal shields. Scales very small, lozenge-shaped, smooth, in 45 dorsal rows. Postab- dominal scutella not divided. Subcaudal all entire. Unicolor. Tail proportionally short, stout, terminating blunt. Syn. Wenona, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176. 1. Wenona plumbea, B. & G. — Uniform bluish lead-color above ; uniform yellowish white beneath. Three pairs of frontal plates. Middle pair united with the loral, and thus extending to the labials. Labials not entering into the orbit. Dorsal scales in 45 rows. Syn. Wenona plumbea, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176. Upper surface of head slightly convex, snout rounded and promi- nent. Vertical plate as broad as long, obtuse angled anteriorly, rounded posteriorly. Postfrontals small and triangular, the smallest of all the frontals. Middle frontals subangular, transversely elon- gated, reaching the labials at the commissure of the 2d and 3d, occupying the place of the loral. Prefrontals angular posteriorly, rounded anteriorly, reaching the first labial, and occupying the place of the prenasal. Rostral broad and large. Postnasal subtri- angular, elongated, apex directed backwards. Nostril vertically elongated, situated between the lateral expansion of the prefrontals and the postnasal. Occipitals quite small, and united in one plate, 140 WENONA. perhaps accidentally. Anteorbital subpyramidal, apex reaching the upper surface of head, touching the vertical, and produced between the superciliaries and postfrontals. Superciliaries subquadrangular, more developed on the surface of the head than in the orbit. Three postorbitals, with rounded margins, upper one slightly the largest, situated near the upper surface of head, and might be considered as a second superciliary. Two suborbitals ; anterior larger, sub- hexagonal, situated above the commissure between the 4th and 5th labials ; posterior rounded, oblong, above the posterior half of the 5th labial. Temporal shields numerous and small, scalelike. Cleft of mouth slightly arched upwards. Upper labials 9; three anterior ones much higher than the rest ; 5th broadest, none reaching the orbit. Lower labials inconspicuous ; three anterior ones the largest. Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad ; abdomen comparatively narrow. Tail short, thick, blunt at its extremity. Scales small, irregular, subelliptical, or sublozenge-shaped ; on the outer row very large proportionally, higher than long. In the 2d row the scales are still larger ; but in the remaining rows they become uniformly small, scarcely diminishing towards the middle line of the back. On the tail, however, they are somewhat larger. Puget Sound, Or. 206. 37. 45. ITf. 2 J. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. 2. "WenOMa Isabella, B. & G. — Uniform isabel-color above, dull yellow beneath. Two pairs of frontal i^lates. An angular loral. Upper 4th and 5th labials entering into the orbit. A small anterior vertical be- tween the postfrontals. Dorsal scales in 45 rows. Stn. Wenona Isabella, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 176. Upper surface of head flat, snout subtruncated. Vertical broader than long, rounded posteriorly. A small second vertical between the postfrontals. Occipitals united in one small narrow plate. Two pairs of frontals only; postfrontals much larger, subrounded, forming on the right side a continuous plate with the loral, whilst on the left side the loral is distinct from the postfrontal which itself is angular. Prefrontals subangular, extending to the first upper labial, and occu- pying the place of the prenasal. Rostral broad, obtuse angled above. Anteorbital pyramidal, extending to the surface of the head, pro- duced between the postfrontals and superciliary, and touching the vertical. Superciliary proportionally larger than in W. 2>^umbea, WENONA. 141 irregularly rounded. Three subangular and polygonal postorbitals. Numerous temporal shields of the size of the postorbitals, and but slightly larger than the scales. Cleft of mouth horizontal. Upper labials 9 ; the 5 anterior ones higher, the 4th and 5th entering into the orbit. Lower labials 10 ; the 4 anterior ones larger than the rest, which, as in W. plumhea, are not conspicuous. Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad; abdomen narrow. Tail short and thick, blunt posteriorly. Scales as in W. plumhea, only proportionally smaller. Fuget Sound, Or. 210. 34. 45. 15^. 2yV. (on dep.) Expl. Exped. 142 RENA. Genus REl^A, Baird & Girard. Gen. Char. Head slightly depressed and continuous with the body. Snout blunt and rounded, overlapping considerably the lower jaw. A large rostral plate. One nasal. A pair of fronto-nasals. One eye shield, or ocular. A pair of parietals. A pair of postparietals. Medial row of scales extending over the head to the rostral. Nostrils lateral, oblong, situated between the nasal and fronto-nasal. Eyes not conspicuous. Mouth inferior, semilunar. 1. Rena dulcis, B. & G. — Reddish brown above; reddish white be- neath. Fifteen rows of scales. Body depressed. Eye shield separated by a small plate from the series representing the vertical. Body slender, elongated, rather stouter posteriorly than anteriorly, depressed, broader than deep. Tail very short, subeonical, bluntly terminated, about o'g of the total length. Rostral rounded, taper- ing, separating the fronto-nasals for nearly their whole length. Fronto-nasals proportionally large, tapering upwards, and undulat- ing. Nasal subtriangular, nostril situated on the middle of its upper margin, close to the fronto-nasal. Eye shield large, elevated, irregu- larly oblong, extending to the top of the head from the margin of the jaw. Parietal and postparietal similar, transversally elongated, the postparietal somewhat larger. Four shield-shaped scales in a longitudinal series between the postparietals, parietals, eyeshield, fronto-nasals on each sides, and the rostral in front, occupy the place of the vertical. On the crown, and just above the eye-shield, is a small semilunar plate, separating it from the series just described, and probably the homologue of the supraorbital. The margin of the upper jaw is formed in front by the rostral; on the sides next to the rostral by the nasal, behind which is a subquadrangular, obliquely ele- vated labial, limited above by the fronto-nasal, and posteriorly by the eye-shield, which enters likewise in the upper labial aeries. Pos- terior to the eye-shield is a subtriangular labial at the angle of the jaw, approximating above the parietal, and limited behind by the RENA. , 143 postparietal and the beginning of the scales. Inferior labials four, similar to the scales under the throat. The scales present a great uniformity throughout the whole length of the body ; a little smaller beneath than above. Between San Pedro and ), ,^ >,,,., . /-.ix-rvz-ii ^ 7 r. • rr, \ length TJ. tail A. Col. J. D. Graham. (Jamanclie tSprings, lex. ) ' 2. Rena, liuiuilis, B. & G. — Uniform chestnut-brown, lighter be- neath. Scales in l-S rows. Body cylindrical. The eye-shield in contact with the longitudinal series on tOp of the head. Body very slender and cylindrical. Tail short, conical, tapering, not acute, y^g of the total length. Head less depressed. Eyes and nostril more distinct than in the preceding species. No supraorbitals. Postparietals much smaller than the parietals. Scales on the abdo- men larger than on the back. Valliecitas, Cal. length 6. tail 4. Dr. John L. Le Conte. APPENDIX A. Species examined, of which no specimens are in possession op the simithsonian institution. CrotalUS oregonus, Holbr. — Grayish ash above, with narrow lighter lines decussating, so as to form dorsal and lateral rhomboids, with the angles all sharp and well defined, and their margins within the light lines, black. Beneath black. The dark postocular vitta passes above the labials without coming into the edge of the mouth. A light line across the head through the middle of the superciliaries. Stn. Crotalus oregonus, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 21. PI. iii. The only known specimen of this strongly marked species, and the same as that upon which Dr. Holbrook based his description, is too much shrivelled to admit of accurate description. In its general features it has a close resemblance to C. adamanteus, like it, having the back crossed by decussating light lines, enclosing transversely elongated rhomboids, with all the angles sharp and well defined. Of these rhomboids there are about 32 from head to anus. The general color is grayish ash, the decussating lines being of a lighter tint of the same. Along the margins of the lozenges, and just within the light lines, is a black border. Scutellse black, with ash- colored margins, the width of the ash-color diminishing from the head to the tail. There is a narrow, well-defined line across the head, just above the middle of the eye, which then appears to be continuous along the edge of the superciliaries to the angle of the jaw. A second white line starts between the nostril and the eye, and, passing back under the eye, strikes the edge of the mouth at the 10 145 146 APPENDIX A. 7th labial, and extends along to the angle of the mouth : the ends of the anterior lines on opposite sides scarcely appear to meet on the top of the head. The vitta between these two light lines is dark ash, margined with black, and passes back above the labials to the angle of the mouth. The space in front of the second line is black, except a short narrow line produced along the labials anteriorly as a branch of the line in front of the eye. Edges of the nostril light. The animal is quite young,, there being but a single button. An important feature of distinction from C. adamanteus is seen in the fact that the dark line on the side of the head passes above the labials to the angle of the mouth, instead of passing very directly down to the edge of the mouth, considerably anterior to the angle. The sharpness and close approximation of the rhomboids distinguish it from the other Western species. The head is much longer in pro- portion than in C. lucifer. From the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- delphia. Columbia River. 177. 22. — 12*. If. Thomas Nuttall. £(lfflinia, COMCinna, B. & G. — Dorsal rows of scales 21, all cari- nated. Black, -with a dorsal light stripe, and the usual lateral Stripes re- placed by a series of distinct salmon-colored spots. Syn. Tropidonotus concinnus, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 182. Head small ; body rather stout. Outer row of scales higher and larger than the rest, which are nearly equal. Above intense black, with a dorsal greenish white line one and two half-scales wide, and extending from head to tip of tail. On each side is a series of verti- cally elongated distinct spots of a reddish salmon-color, and 75 in number, between the head and anus. They occur on the 2d to the 6th rows of scales, and are half a scale long, the same color being visible on the adjoining skin. The dark intervals are one scale longer than the spots themselves. Beneath greenish black, tinged with white anteriorly. Whole head reddish yellow, tinged above with brown. A near relative of our Eutainia Pickering li. Belonging to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Oregon. $ 163.' 85. 21. 26. 7 J. Dr. B. F. Shumard. APPENDIX A. 147 IVerodia. ni^er^ B. & G. — Head ellipsoid, anteriorly blunt, flattened Yfy above. Vertical plate very long, subhexagonal, slightly concave on the sides. Three postorbitals. Loral and nasals proportionally large. Dorsal scales in 23 rows. Color nearly uniform dark-brown on the back, macu- lated on the flanks and abdomen. Stn. Tropidonotus niger, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 18i2, 37. PI. ix. Water Adder. Body more slender, and head larger than in ISf. sipedon, though provided with 23 rows of scales, all of which are carinated. The scales of the outer row, however, are very large, proportionally more so than in N. sipedon, the nearest relative of this species. The pre- frontals are triangular. The vertical plate is more elongated than in N. sipedon, whilst the occipitals are smaller. The nasals and loral are also larger, as are the labials, though their number is the same in both species. The prefrontals are triangular. Ground-color chestnut-brown, with the scales streaked with black on the dorsal region, whilst the flanks are mottled, so as to appear darker. The head beneath, and the middle of the abdomen on the anterior portion of the body are yellowish. The sides of the abdo- men, and posterior portion of body and tail, are densely maculated with black, almost entirely black beneath the tail. From the Cabinet of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Massachusetts. 141-f 1. 66. 23. 28J. 6J. Dr. D. H. Storer. IVerodia rhombifer, B. & G. — Vertical plate elongated, narrow, Yf/ sides nearly parallel. Dorsal scales 27 ; scales all carinated. Postorbitals two on one side, three on the other. Labials 8, 6th highest. A dorsal series and a lateral on each side of quadrate blotches ; the alternating blotches of opposite sides connected across the back by dark lines passing into the dorsal series. Stn. Tropidonotus rhomUfer, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 177. Ground-color light brown, or when the epidermis is removed, bluish ash. The dorsal dark spots are" 50 in number from the head to the tip of the tail, the 35th opposite the anus. The lateral bars alternate with the preceding : they extend between the edges of the 148 APPENDIX A. abdomen and the 9th or 10th rows of scales, and are about one and a half scales long, separated by intervals of 2 1 or 3 s(^ales. The dark bars crossing the back obliquely, and connecting the alternating bars of opposite sides by their decussation and slight confluence, form the dorsal series of blotches. These lines are about half the width of the vertical bars, appearing like their bifurcations. They divide the back into a succession of transversely elongated hexagons of the ground-color. The dark markings are confined to the skin and the basal halves of the scales, the tips of these in all cases being of the ground-color. Beneath yellowish white, blotched along each side with darker. Collected by Dr. S. W. Woodhouse, on the Arkansas river and its tributaries, near the northern boundary of the Creek nation, and in possession of the Topographical Bureau. Arkansas River. 141+1. 70. 27. Dr. S. W. Woodhouse. RiTcrodia. frasisversa, B. & G. Stn. Tropidonotus iransversus. Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pliilad. VI, 1852, 177. Owing to the imperfect condition of the specimen upon which this species was founded, it has been impossible to determine its true af- finities (except the generic), although strongly suspecting it to be the same, or at least very similar to JSF. Woodhousii, B. & Gr. If they be the same, the name of Dr. Hallowell will of course have priority, although neither the description nor the present condition of the spe- cimen afford conclusive proof on this point. Dr. Hallowell's descrip- tion is as follows : — " Head large, swollen at the temples, convex posteriorly, flattened between the orbits, depressed in front ; a series of subquadrate dark-colored blotches, thirty-six or thirty-seven in number, along the back ; a transverse row of oblong bars along the sides, their upper margins alternating with the inferior margins of the dorsal blotches ; scales strongly carinated, 23 rows ; abdominal scutellas 144 ; subcaudal 78. "Dimensions. Length of head 12 lines; greatest breadth 7; length of body 1 ft. (Fr.) 5 inches, 7 lines; length of tail 6 inches; total length 2 ft. " Hahitat. Creek boundary, found near the banks of the Arkan- sas and its tributaries." Topographical Bureau. APPENDIX A. 149 Masticopliis flagelliformls, B. & G. ' ,/ / J , A young individual in the cabinet of tlie Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and labelled '' Coluber reticularis, Daud.," present the following characters, after long preservation in alcohol : — Above white, with a series of transverse dark bars across the back, extending from head to tail, about two scales long, and crossing from one side of the abdomen to the other. There is a faint indication of darker lateral lines extending through the centres of the lateral rows of scales. Beneath white, with two series of brown dotted lines ex- tending from the chin for about one-fourth of the length. Plates on the top of the head yellowish, with darker margins. South Carolina. 17. 19. 4f . Acad. Nat. Sc. APPENDIX B. Species described by authors, but of which no specimens could be obtained. y< 1. ToxicopIliS atrofuscus, Teoost. — Body above dusky, -with light rhomboidal dorsal blotches of smoky gray, disappearing entirely near the tail, which is black. Stn. Toxicophis atrofuscus, Troost. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Ill, 1836, 190. Acontias atrofuscus, Troost. ibid 180. Trigonocephaliis atrofuscus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 43. PI. ix. " Upper part of the head dark-brown, bordered with gray, which becomes lighter behind the eyes, with a dark longitudinal spot reach- ing from the orbit to the tympanal bones. Upper lip white, termi- nating near the tip in gray. Body dusky, variegated with brown spots of smoke-gray ; broadest on the back, and disappear on the tail, which is black. Throat marked with black and white, the latter color predominating; belly irregularly spotted with black and white, darkest towards the tail, and in all parts the white is minutely dotted with black." — Holbrook. Tennessee. 133. 25+18. — 25. 3|. Dr. G. Troost. The species probably belongs really to the genus AgMstrodon, Beauv. 2. Coluber testaceus, Say. — " Body above pale sanguineous or testaceous ; beneath sanguineous, immaculate." — Say. Syn. Coluber iestaceus, Say in Long's Exped. Rocky Mts. II, 1823, 48. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 348; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 113.— Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 63. PI. xiii. 150 APPENDIX B. 151 " Head subovate, elongated, the snout produced slightly and rounded. The form of the head, as well as the plates that cover it, and the disposition of the eyes and nostrils, appear in the preserved specimen to be precisely similar to those of Coluber constrictor. The body is long and slender, and is covered with large, smooth hex- agonal scales above, and with broad plates below. The tail is long and slender. The whole upper surface of the animal is pale brick- dust color, the abdomen and below brighter red." — Holbr. Rocky Mts. 198.80.— 62.— Thos. Say. The figure represents the postabdominal scutella as divided. The species perhaps belongs to the genus Mastkopliis, more dorsal rows being represented than probably belong to it. It may prove to be Masticophis flavi(fidaris, B. & G. 3. Coluber Sayi, Schl. (non Holbr.) — General color reddish orange, with a dorsal series of transverse blotches, forming bands towards the pos- terior region of the body. Flanks mottled or maculated. Syn. Coluber Sayi, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 157. Coluber melanoleiiciis var. Say. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 360 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 123. "This species is beyond all dispute one of the handsomest of the genus (^Coluher), and as well characterized by the shape "of its snout and the plates of its surface as by the beautiful reddish yellow tint predominant over all the regions of the body. The back, however, is of a deeper chestnut-brown, in the midst of which the ground-color appears in the shape of numerous transverse and oval blotches : these two tints constitute towards the posterior region broad and alternat- ing bands, extending to the inferior surface. The anterior region is deeper in color, spotted or maculated with black like the abdomen, or else exhibiting large patches of this same tint. " The head is distinct from the neck, and covered with plates, the vertical of which is a spherical triangle almost equilateral ; the oc- cipitals are noticeable for their small size ; the labials are large, and margined with black, but are not to be distinguished from the scales of the body, which are lanceolated, provided with a carina, and dis- posed in 25 rows. " There are three postorbital plates and but one anteorbital, pre- ceded by a very small loral. The snout is conical, and terminated 152 APPENDIX B. by a plate, which has the shape of a prominent nose, on each side of which are the nasals. Our specimen has two pairs of postfrontals disposed on a single transverse row. "The bones which constitute the skull are stouter than in the other species of Coluber. The tympanum is longer, and the nasals elongated. The intermaxillary is very depressed. The teeth are all of the same length." — Schlegel. The specimen described was brought from the Rocky Mountains by Mr. Say, and presented to M. Schlegel by Charles L. Bonaparte. Missouri. 221. 55. 25. — about 4 feet. The species here referred to belongs undoubtedly to the genus Pituophis. The general system of coloration, the peculiar shape and structure of the snout, and the presence of two pairs of postfrontal plates, are characters which this genus alone possesses in the manner just described. As to Say's variety of Coluber melanoleucus, as given by Harlan, it is introduced into the synonymy with some doubt. 4. Coluber vertebrali§, Blainv. — "Reddish yellow or pale red, marbled -with deep brown, forming a dorsal united series in the shape of a succession of sections of fish vertebrae, becoming isolated and more apart towards the posterior region." Stn. Coluber vertebralis, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 61. PI. xxvii. figs. 2, 2 a, and 2 b. "Body elongated and slender anteriorly; head small and com- paratively distinct ; snout pointed; tail short, conical, and pointed. Nostrils lateral, small, circulai-, between the two nasal plates. Eyes large, lateral, almost entirely surrounded with the orbital plates. Cephalic plates: two prefrontals and two postfrontals; two lorals superposed. Two anteorbitals and three postorbitals. Abdominal scutellse 245; subcaudal 64. Scales rather small, lozenge-shaped, smooth, imbricated." California. M. Botta. This species is not without a certain resemblance to Pituophis. The chained dorsal blotches, the acute head, prominent snout, and presence of two lorals, the upper one resembling in shape and posi- APPENDIX B. 153 tion an exterior pair of postfrontals, are the characters which lead us to this belief. Its generic affinities, however, cannot be determined without specimens in hand. The smooth scales would militate against the supposition of its being a Pituophls. 5. Coluber (Ophis) Californiie, Blainv.— " Yellow, lighter be- neath, darker above, with six longitudinal bands more or less effaced, and more or less anastomosed, of a black color, the upper ones broader and often united." Syn. Coluber (Ophis) Californise, Blainv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 60. PI. xxvii. figs. 1, la, lb. " Body of ordinary form and medium length ; head proportionally large, depressed; snout short and obtuse. Tail rather short, conical, and pointed. Nostrils lateral, oval, between the two nasal plates, contiguous to the frontals. Eyes of medium size, lateral. Cephalic plates. Two prefrontals and two postfrontals ; one loral ; one ante- orbital and two postorbitals. Scales rather small, lozenge-shaped, imbricated, and perfectly smooth." California. M. Botta. 6. Coluber (Zacliolus) zonatus, Blainv. — " Reddish white, en- tirely annulated with deep black, with two half-rings of the same color on the head." Syn. Coluber (Zacholtcs) zonatus, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 61. " Body cylindrical, back depressed, subcarinated, suddenly attenu- ated posteriorly, and but slightly anteriorly. Head small, tetragonal, with an obtuse and thick snout ; tail short, small, and very much tapering, about ' of total length. Nostrils lateral, large, infundi- buliform, in the midst of the two nasal plates. Eyes large and late- ral. Mouth deeply cleft ; anus very far back. Cephalic plates : two prefrontals and two postfrontals ; one loral, very small ; one anteorbital and two postorbitals, very small. Scales rather large, rhomboidal, subimbricated, increasing in size from the back towards the sides, subconvex and perfectly smooth." California, — — — — — M. Botta. 154 APPENDIX B. T. Coluber planiceps, Blainv. — "rniform reddish above, of a soiled -wliite beneath, -with a black patch on the occiput and the beginning of the neck." Stn. Coluber planiceps, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 62. PI. xxYii, figs. 3, 3 a, 3 b. "Body slender, rather elongated, cylindrical; head small, de- pressed, but little distinct; snout short and elliptical; tail rather long, slender, and very much tapering, \ of the total length. Nostrils lateral, very small, situated in the middle of the nasal, which is elon- gated and single. Eyes of medium size. Mouth broad, consider- ably cleft ; anus far back. Cephalic plates : two prefrontals and two postfrontals. No loral. One anterior and one postorbital. Ab- dominal scutellae 134, beginning at some distance from the head. Subcaudal 56. Scales broad, convex, very smooth, opalescent, ob- liquely imbricated." California. M. Botta. Genus CHAR I IV A, Gray. Gen. Char. Resembles Wenona in general shape and appear- ance, and bears with it many affinities in structure. There are two lorals instead of one ; three anteorbitals instead of one ; three super- ciliaries instead of one ; and the subcaudal scutelloe much narrower, and more elongated transversely. The comparison of specimens will no doubt show other generic differences inappreciable by the de- scriptions. Syn. Charina, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 113. S. Cliariiaa Bottse, Gray.— Body cylindrical, blunt at each end ; pale yellow ; back and tail darker. Syn. Charina Boitx, Gray, Catal. of Snakes in Brit. Mus. 1849, 113. Tortrix Bottae, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 57. PI. sxvi, figs. 1, la, lb. APPENDIX B. 155 Genus OPHTHAliITIIBIOIV, Dum. & Bibr. Gen. Char. Head more or less depressed, covered with plates; rostral plate recurved under the snout, the tip of which is rounded, and extending to the upper part of the head in the shape of an oval cap. An anterior frontal plate. A frontal proper. A pair of su- praoculars. A pair of parietals ; no interparietals, or one only. A pair of nasals. A pair of fronto-nasals. A pair of oculars. A pair of preoculars. Nostrils hemidiscoid, opening under the snout, one to the right, the other to the left, between the nasal and fronto-nasal. Eyes lateral, more or less distinct. Syn. OpMialmidion, DuM. & BiBR. Erp. Gen. VI, 1844, 262 ; and Catal. Kept. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. II, 1852, 201. 9. Oplitlialniidion longissiiuuni, Dum. & Bibk. — Tail double the lengtli of the width of the head, cylindrical, straight, rounded at the tip, and provided with a small spine. Nasal plates in the shape of little subrec- tangular bands, placed longitudinally on each side at the inferior part of the rostral. Oculars in vertical subhexagonal bands, less developed than the preoculars, and showing the eyes but slightly through. Head yellow- ish, the whole body of a grayish tint. Stn. Oplithalmidion longissimum, Dum. & Bibr. Erp. Gen. VI, 1844, 263 ; and Catal. Kept. Mus. Hist. Nat. II, 1852, 201. N. America. Collected by Comte de Castelnau. Florida. ? ? The following species given by Schlegel in his Essai as North American, cannot be admitted into our fauna without further evi- dence. Calamaria melanocepliala Surinam & Philada I^ycodon clelia Philada Herpetodryas niargaritiferus New Orleans Ilerpetodryas cursor New York. UryoplBis Catesboei Southern States. Dipsa;^ aiiiiulala Delta of Miss. Homalopsis carisaicauda New York. IIoiDaSop^i!>« plieatilis, Var New Orleans. APPENDIX C. v Species collected by John H. Clark and Arthur Schott, ON the U. S. and Mexican Boundary Survey, under Maj. Wm. H. Emory, U. S. A., and received too late for inser- tion IN THEIR PROPER PLACES. 1. Crotalus atrox, B. & G Page 5 Pecos, Tex. 15. 35. 2f . John H. Clark. Eagle Pass, Tex. 15. 29. 2 J. Arthur Schott. 2. Toxicopllis pu^nax, B. & G Page 20 Eagle Pass, Tex. 138. 43. 25. 28. 4i Arthur Schott. 3. Elaps tenere, B. &G , Page 22 The ground-color of the present specimen is red, the same as in Elaps fulvius ; the fact of its being fawn-colored in the specimen de- scribed above must be attributed to the action of the preserving fluid. The specimens here referred to are of a greater size, but ex- hibit all the other characters by which we have distinguished this species from Elaps fulvius. San Felipe, Tex. John H. Clark. Eagle Pass, Tex. Arthur Schott. 4. Eaitainia Marciasia, B. & G Page 36 Eagle Pass, Tex. Arthur Schott. 150 APPENDIX C. 157 5. Hcterodon nasicus, B. &G Page Gl Specimens of this species vary in the number of small postrostral plates. In some there are only three or four, in others a larger num- ber. Sometimes, instead of a single series of median dorsal spots, there are two, in close contact, and more or less confluent. The nar- row light line across the middle of the superciliaries and the high labials are still highly characteristic. Pecos, Tex. 130+1. 40. 23. 14^. 2|. John H. Clark. " 141+1. 29. 23. 20*. 2|. " « 141+1. 87. 23. 23J. 3^. " Eagle Pass, Tex. 144+1. 38. 23. 26^. 3^. Arthur Schott. 6. Pituoplsis bellona, B. &G Page 66 Presidio del Norte, Mex. 243.51.32. 51^.6. John H. Clark. 7. ScotopIliS EsKOl'yijB. &G. — Head rather narrow ; vertical plate elongated. Eye large. Median six or eight scales only carinated ; very slightly. Dorsal rows 29; Above ash-gray, with a dorsal series of trans- verse brown blotches, on each side of which are two others of smaller size ; indistinct traces of a third. A frontal brown vitta passing back through the eye, and crossing the angle of the mouth on to the side of the neck. Plates and shape of head much as in S. guttatus. Vertical plate more elongated than in the species of allied color, being decidedly longer than broad. Head rather narrow. Eye larger than in S. guttatus, its centre a little posterior to the junction of the 4th and 5th labials. Postorbitals resting on the 5th labial, as in the other species. Anteorbital large. Loral elongated, acute angled behind. Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th largest; lower 11, 6th largest. Dor- sal rows of scales 29, central five or six only carinated, and those only slightly : exterior row largest, rest nearly equal. Ground-color grayish ash. A series of olivaceous brown transverse quadrate blotches along the back, 70 in number, the 50th opposite the anus. These are ten or twelve scales broad, two to three long, and sepa- rated by intervals of one to two scales. They are narrowly margined with black. On each side of the dorsal series, and alternating witli it, is a series of smaller, nearly circular, but similarly constituted blotches extending between the 3d, and 7th or 8th rows : below this, 158 APPENDIX C. and on the 2d and 3d rows, is a still smaller and quite 'indistinct third series, and occasionally traces of a fourth on the 1st and 2d. The ground-color or space between the blotches is grayish ash ; each scale minutely mottled with dark-brown or black; the extreme bor- der generally pure ash, especially on the sides. Beneath yellowish white, with rather indistinct blotches of brownish ash, thickest behind. Head grayish ash, with a somewhat curved broad brown vitta on the back part of the postfrontals, which, involving the commissure of the anteorbital and superciliary, passes back through the eye, and crossing the angle of the mouth on the adjacent halves of the ulti- mate and penultimate labials, extends into the blotches on the sides of the neck. A second nearly effaced bar crosses the anterior front- als, leaving an ash-colored band half the width of the first-mentioned bar. The anterior dorsal blotch is replaced by two elongated ones running up on the head to the centre of the occipitals, parallel with the postocular vitta, with an ash-colored stripe between the two, which extends from the superciliary backwards on the sides of the neck. As in the other brown marks, these stripes are margined by black. The adjacent edges of the 4th and 5th labials are brown. This is the only species except >S^. guttatus, in which the postocular vitta crosses the angle of the mouth, and passes down the side of the neck. There is scarcely any indication of elongation in the lateral spots except anteriorly. This species differs from S. vnlpinus in the gray color, much larger eye, longer head, narrower vertical, &c. ; from >S'. Icctus in much the same points as well as in having the dorsal spots transverse not longi- tudinal ; from S. Ltndhewieri in lighter color, and absence of white margins to the basal ends of the dorsal scales. Howard Sjprmgs, Tex. 217+1. 72. 29. 41i 7. J. H. Clark. 8. Georgia obSOlefa, B. & G. — Postorbitals resting on the fifth labials, not on the 4th, as in Georgia Coiqieri. Black above, beneath slate- color ; anteriorly with the bases of the scutellaj red. Syn. Coluber obsoleius, Say in Long's Exped. Rocky Mts., I, 1823, 140. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. V, 1827, 347; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 112.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 61. PI. xii. Upper labials 8 ; 7th and 8th largest; postorbitals supported by the 5th; 6th labial small, triangular, but still separating the 5th and APPENDIX C. 159 7th, which do not meet above it. Lower labials 9 ; 4th and 5th largest. Two rows of temporal shields. Two lorals in one speci- men, one in another. General color above deep black ; some of the scales having dashes of reddish white at their bases, scarcely indi- cating blotches as in Scotopliis: the same color is sometimes shown on the skin. Beneath slate-black. The color is uniform on the pos- terior half : the bases of the scutellae then begin to exhibit more or less of pale reddish white, which tint increases in extent and in- tensity anteriorly until towards the head the slate-color is only seen along their edges, the tint there being a dark salmon-color. The pos- terior margins of the upper and lower labials, as well as all the plates on the sides of the neck and beneath, are edged with well-defined black. Sides of the head reddish brown, margined as above. Eagle Pass, Tex. 193. 60. 17. 45|. 7f. Arthur Schott. « 193. 56. 17. 48J. 9|. " 9. ©pllibolus Sayi, B. & G Page 84 Variety with transverse penultimate bands. Eagle Pass, Tex. 210. 59. 23. S7§. 5|. Arthur Schott. 10. Masticopliis flavigularis, B. & G Page 99 Mr. Clark mentions having seen specimens of this species on the upper Rio Grande, with a decided tinge of red. It would not sur- prise us, therefore, to find it the same with Coluber tesiaceus, Say — a point of much interest, as this is the only one of Say's Western spe- cies which we have not identified as clearly distinct. Presidio del Norte, Mex. 200+1. 1G7. 17. 56. 15i. John H. Clark. 11. Masticopliis ornatus, B. &G Page 102 A highly marked specimen, diff"ering somewhat from those already described. Very dark purple on the back, lighter on the sides be- tween the light lines. A narrow yellow line along the contiguous edges of the abdomen and outer dorsal rows. The 4th row of scales with the adjacent edges of the od and 5th, are yellowish white, with a well-defined black line through the centre of the former. Down the centre of all the rows as well as the fourth, is a black line, most intense on the 1st and 3d rows. At successive intervals along 160 APPENDIX C. the back, are seen broad transverse light bands, produced by the ob- literation of the black line in the 4th row, and by all the dorsal scales between the light lines being yellowish white, with more or less of purplish black towards the tips. There are about eight of these dorsal marks on the anterior three-fifths of the body, the first being indicated by a light bar on the nape. Howard Springs, Tex. 206+1. — 15. 61f . 17|. J. H. Clark. 12. Masticopllls Scliolti, B. & G. — Greenish brown, with two nar- row white lines on each side, becoming obsolete at about three-fifths of the length from the head. Scales on the back yellow at the base. Sides of the neck in front red. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. This species presents quite a close relationship to M. tceniatus, al- though sufficiently different in its distribution of color. The general tint above is a dark greenish olive. On each side are two well-de- fined narrow yellowish white lines : the first along the junction of the outer dorsal row and the abdominal scutellae, involving only the ad- jacent angles; the second similarly constituted in relation to the od and 4th rows (not running through the centres of the scales). The portion of the 3d and 4th rows not involved by the upper white line is black, as is also a narrow margin above the lower white line, of the same diameter with it. The upper angles of the scales in the first row, and the whole of those of the second row, are of a lighter olive than the back. All the scales on the back between the upper yellow lines of opposite sides are margined with yellow along their basal edges, only evident on separating the scales. Anteriorly is a short yellow line along the junction of the 2d and 3d rows of scales, extending to about the 25th abdominal scutella. Color beneath dull yellow, with the greater part of the scutellae closely and minutely blotched with greenish slate. Anteriorly the proportion of yellow is much greater, and near the head the blotch- ing is in two series, as in the rest of the genus. The tail also is nearly unspotted yellowish, except anteriorly. On the external fourth of the abdominal scutellae the blotching is more confluent, forming a well-defined margin to the lower yellow line. Anteriorly the side of the abdomen is of a dull red. The upper jaw is yellowish white, excepting the lower edges along the 1st to the 6th labials, which are black. Orbitals, loral, and nasals with a yellow central spot. APPENDIX C. 161 The lateral stripes become obsolete at about | of the length from the head, so that the body posteriorly is nearly unicolor above. Upper labials 8, 7th longest ; lower 9, 5th largest. Eagle Pass, Tex. 201+1.138.15. 54J. 17f. Arthur Schott. 13. SaSvadora C^raliamiae!, B. & G Page 104 This specimen has but two anteorbitals, the upper very large ; in other respects it is as previously described. The under parts appear to have been of a delicate reddish salmon-color. Presidio del Norte, Mex. 189+1. 100. 17. 28f . 7f . John H. Clark. 14. L.eptopliis luajalis^ B. &G Page 127 Eagle Pass, Tex. 162+1.127.17. 28. 16f. Arthur Schott. 15. Diadopbis reg-alls, B. &G Page 115 Eagle Springs, Tex. 229+1. 56. 17. 25|. 4. John H. Clark. 16. Rliinoclieilus l.ecoiitei, B. & G Page 120 Pecos, Tex. 191. 56. 23. 26^. 4*. John H. Clark. 17. Tantilla ^acilis, B. &G Page 132 Eagle Pass, Tex. 133. 44. 15. 7f . 1|. Arthur Schott. 11 APPENDIX D. Index of Sources from which the Specimens have been received. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 40, 41, 47, 66, 92, 146, 147, 149. Adams, Prof. C. B., 33, 58, 80, 87, 128. Agassiz, Prof. L., 42, 81, 138. Baird, S. F., 2, 3, 18, 25, 31, 39, 46, 53, 56, 74, 88, 94, 95, 109, 113, 130, 136, 138. Barker, Dr. S. W., 4, 12, 22, 40, 58, 79, 86, 95, 122, 134, 138. Barratt, Dr. J. B., 31, 56, 61. Blaney, Miss Valeria, 128. Boston Society of Natural History, 35. Bowman, .J. S., 36. Boyle, Dr. C. C, 35, 83, 115. Burnett, Dr. W. J., 99. Caldwell, Prof. M., 31, 109, 138. Chui'chill, Gen. S., 15, 23, 32, 36, 63, 68. Clark, Jonn H., 95, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161. Cuyler, R. R., 80, 125. Daniel, Mrs. M. E. See Miss C. Paine. Dayton, E. A., 13. Edwakds, Dr., 15. Emory, Maj. W. H., 156—161. Fahnestock, G. W., 96, 136, 138. Fairie, James, 3, 18, 20, 22, 25, 41, 44, 50, 85, 91, 94, 119, 124. Force, Col. P., 31. Fox, Rev. Charles, 15, 31, 39, 46, 76, 96, 136. Fremont, Col. J. C, 95. 162 APPENDIX D. 163 Gambel, Dr. Wm., 27, 36, 63, 68, 97, 103. Girard, Charles, 18, 22, 31, 40, 58, 60, 88, 109. Graham, Col. J. D., 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29, 37, 42, 48, 55, 03, 68, 75, 84, 85, 97, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 114, 115, 117, 132, 143. Hough, Dr., 31, 88. Hoy, Dr. P. R., 15, 34, 76, 109, 136, 138. Jones, Dr. W. L., 12, 33, 43, 47, 113, 119. Keesee, C. W., 122. Kennerly, Dr. C. B. R., 31, 53, 89, 130. Kirtland, Dr. Jared P., 15, 16, 18, 54, 136. Lecoxte, Dr. John L., 34, 72, 97, 111, 114, 121, 143. Leconte, Major John, 113, 136, 138. Lindheimer, Ferd., 23, 26, 37, 42, 55, 75, 100, 107, 136. Lloyd, D. C, 2, 23, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, 90, 94, 107, 122, 131. McClellan, Capt. G. B., 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85, 91, 100, 107. Marcy, Capt. R. B., 9, 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85, 91, 100, 107. Mathews, Jos., M. D., 46. Morris, Rev. J. G., 47, 126. National Institute, 46. Paine, Miss C, 31, 53, 77, 86, 87, 93, 95, 107, 113, 119, 124, 128, 130, 136, 138. Parker, Wm. B., 109, 113, 130. Richard, J. H., 109. Sanford, C, 25. Schott, Arthur, 156, 157, 159, 161. Sheafer, M., 138. Shumard, Dr. B. F., 54, 61, 80, 86, 89, 90, 109, 113, 119, 130, 134, 138. Skilton, Dr. A. J., 111. Stansbury, Capt. H., 101. Topographical Bureau, 148. U. S. Exploring Expedition, 8, 27, 28, 30, 34, 36, 70, 72, 97, 111, 116, 140, 141. Varden, J., 128, 130, 136. Wailes, Col. B. L. C, 3, 94. APPENDIX E. Index of States and Territories from which Speciihens HAVE been received. Arkansas, 9, 26, 37, 63, 69, 78, 85, 91, 100, 107. California, 27, 34, 35, 36, 63, 68, 70, 72, 83, 95, 97, 103, 111, 113, 115, 121, 143. Georgia, 12, 33, 43, 47, 58, 80, 87, 92, 113, 119, 126, 136, 138. Louisiana, 3, 18, 20, 25, 41, 44, 85, 91, 94, 119, 124, 136. Maine, 31, 109, 138. Maryland, 25, 31, 39, 46, 95, 107, 128, 130, 136. Massachusetts, 25, 39, 88, 107, 140. Michigan, 15, 31, 39, 46, 76, 95, 136. Mississippi, 3, 23, 31, 54, 56, 61, 80, 85, 86, 89, 90, 94, 107, 109, 113, 119, 122, 130, 131, 134. New Mexico and Mexico, 15, 26, 36, 50, 157, 159. New York, 25, 31, 39, 88, 109, 113, 136, 138. 164 Ohio, 15, 16, 18, 46, 54, 136. Oregon, 8, 28, 30, 36, 72, 97, 111, 116, 140, 141. Pennsylvania, 2, 3, 18, 25, 31, 39, 46, 47, 58, 56, 74, 88, 94, 95, 96, 109, 113, 130, 136, 138. SoNORA, Mex., 11, 15, 63, 68, 84, 105, 115, 117. South Carolina, 4, 12, 18, 22, 31, 39, 41, 53, 56, 58, 60, 61, 66, 77, 79, 86, 87, 94, 95, 99, 107, 113, 119, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 134, 136, 138. Texas, 6, 9, 13, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 37, 42, 48, 55, 63, 68, 75, 85, 95, 100, 101, 103, 107, 114, 131, 136, 148, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161. Utah, 101. Virginia, 25, 31, 58, 89, 107, 122, 130. Wisconsin, 15, 34, 76, 109, 136, 138. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 1.— VERNACULAR NAMES.* Addek, Spreading, 55. " Water, 147. B. Banded Rattlesnake, 1. Black Massasauga, 16. " Snake [Base, constr.), 93, and [Georg. obs.), 158. " Viper, 55. Blowing Viper, 51. Brown Snake, 122. Bull Snake, 65. Chain Snake, 86. Chicken Snake, 80, 87. Coach-whip Snake (Mast, flagell. and flavig.), 98 and 99. Copperbelly {Ner. erythr.), 40. Copperhead, 17. Corn Snake {Scot, guttatus), 78. D. Diamond Rattlesnake, 3. E. Egg Snake {Oph. Sayi), 84. G. Garter Snake, 30, 32. Gopher Snake {Georg. Coup.), 92. Grass Snake, 32. Green Snake, 106, 108. Ground Rattlesnake, 11. " Snake, 129. H. Harlequin Snake, 21. Highland Mocassin {Tox. atrof.), 150. Hog-nose Snake, 51, 59. Horn Snake, 123. House Snake, 87. Indigo Snake {Georg. Coup.), 92. King Snake, 84, 85. {El. tener.), 21. Lightning Snake, 87. Little Green Garter Snake {Hut. ordinata), 32. Lizard Snake {Eut. sirt.), 30. * Such vernacular names as have been omitted in the body of the catalogue are here given with their systematic titles placed within parentheses. 165 166 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. M. Massasauga, 14. " Black, 16. Milk Snake, 87. Mocassin {N. sip. andiV./asc), 38 and 39. {Toz. pugn.), 20. Mocassin, Highland, 150. •' Upland, 150. " Water, 19. Pilot Snake (Pit. McCL), 68, Pine Snake, C5. Prairie Rattlesnake, 14. " Snake {Mast, flavig.), 99. R. Racer (Base, constr.), 93. Rattlesnake, Banded, 1. " Diamond, 3. •' Ground, 11. " Prairie, 14. " Small, 11. Red-bellied Snake, 123. Riband Snake, 24. Ring-necked Snake, 112. s. Scarlet Snake, 118. Small Rattlesnake [Crotal. miliar.), 11. Snake, Black, 93, 158. •' Brown, 122. Bull, 65. Chain, 86. Chicken, 80, 87. Coach-whip, 98, 99. Corn, 78. Egg, 84. Garter, 30, 32. Gopher, 92. Grass, 32. Green, 106, 108. If (1 Snake, Ground, 129. " Harlequin, 21. " Hog-nose, 51, 59. " Horn, 123. " House, 87. " Indigo, 92. " King, 84, 86, 21. " Lightning, 87. " Little Green Garter. 32. " Lizard, 30. " Milk, 87. " Pilot, 68. " Pine, 65. " Prairie, 99. Red-bellied, 123. Riband, 24. Ring-necked, 112. " Scarlet, 118. " Striped, 30. " Swift Garter, 24. " Thunder, 86, 87. " Water, 38, 39. " Worm, 129. Spreading Adder, 55. Striped Snake, 30. Swift Garter Snake, 24. T. Thunder Snake, 86, 87. u. Upland Mocassin, {Tox. atrof.), 150. V. Viper, Blowing, 51. " Black, 55. " Water, 19. w. Water Adder, 147. " Mocassin, 19. " Snake, 88, 39. " Viper [Tox. pise), 19 Worm Snake, 129. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 167 2.— SYSTEMATIC NAMES. abacurus, Farancia, 123. Coluber, 123. Helicops, 123. Hydrops, 123. Abastor, 12-5. " erytlirogrammus, 125. Acontias atrofuscus, 150. adamanteus, Crotalus, 3. sestivus, Leptophis, 106. " Coluber, 106. affinis, Pituophis, 66. Agassizii, Nerodia, 41. Agkistrodon, 17. " contortrix, 17. " mokason, 17. alleglianiensis. Coluber, 73. " Scotophis, 73. amabilis, Diadophis, 113. amsenus, Brachyorrhos, 129. " Coluber, 129. amoena, Celuta, 129. " Calamaria, 129. Anguis annulatus, 86. " flagelliformis, 98. " viridis, 106. annectens, Pituophis, 72. annulata, Dipsas, 155. annulatus, Anguis, 86. atmodes, Heterodon, 57. atrofuscus, Acontias, 150. " ToxicopMs, 150. " Trigonocephalus, 150. atrox, Crotalus, 5. B. Bascanion, 93. " constrictor, 93. " flaviventris, 96. " Foxii, 96. •' Fremontii, 95. " vetustus, 97. bellona, Churchillia, 66. " Pituophis, 66. bipunctatus, Tropidonotus, 80. Boa constrictor, 17. Boidoe, ix, xi. Bottse, Charina, 154. " Tortrix, 154. Boylii, Ophibolus, 82. Brachyorrhos amaenus, 129. c. cacodemon. Coluber, 55. Calamaria amoena, 129. " elapsoidea, 123. " melanocephala, 155. " punctata, 112. " striatula, 122. " tenuis, 116. californire. Coluber (Ophis), 153. capite viperrens, Vipera, 59. carinicauda, Homalopsis, 155. catenifer, Coluber, 69. " Pituophis, 69. Catesboei, Dryophis, 155. caudisona, Viperra, 1. Celuta, 129. " amoena, 129. cenchris, Trigonocephalus, 17- Charina, xi, 154. " Bottce, 154. Chlorosoma, 108. " vernalis, 108. Churchillia, 64, 66. " bellona, 65, 66. Clarkii, Eegina, 48. clelia, Lycodon, 155. clericus, Ophibolus, 88. coccinea, Coronella, 89. " Rhinostoma, 118. coccineus, Coluber, 118. " Heterodon, 118. cognatus, Heterodon, 54. Coluber abacurus, 123. " sestivus, 106. <' alleghaniensis, 73. " amaenus, 129. " cacodemon, 55. " calligaster, 76. 168 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Coluber (Ophis) californise, 153. " catenifer, 69. " coccineus, 118. " constrictor, 93. " Couperi, 92. " doliatus, 89. " erythrogaster, 40. " erythrogrammus, 125. " eximius, Dekay, 87. " eximius, Holbr. 88. " fasciatus, 140. " flagelliformis, 98. " flagellum, 98. " flaviventris, 96. fulvius, 21. " getulus, 8G. " guttatus, 78. " heterodon, 51. " infernalis, 26. " leberis, 45. " melanoleucus, 65. " melanoleucus, var. 151. " mormon, 101. " obsoletus, 158. " ordinatus, 32. " parietalis, 28. " planiceps, 154. " poecilogaster, 38. " porcatus, 40. " proximus, 25. " punctatus, 112. " quadrivittatus, 80. " rigidus, 46. " saurita, 24. Sayi, Schl., 151. " Sayi, Holbr. 84. " septemvittatus, 45. " simus, 59. " sipedon, 38. " sirtalis, 30. " striatulus, 122. '* taxispilotus, 43. " testaceus, 150. " thraso, 55. •' venustus, 137. " vernalis, 108. " vertebralis, 152. " (Zacholus) zonatus, 153. ColubridsB, ix, x, xi. confinis, Scotophis, 76. confluentus, Crotalus, 8. concinna, Eutainia, 146. concinnus, Tropidonotus, 146. censors, Crotalophorus, 12. constrictor, Bascanion, 93. " Coluber, 93. " Hierophis, 93. Contia, 110. " mitis, 110. contortrix, Agkistrodon, 17. " Boa, 17. " Trigonocephalus, 17. coronata, Tantilla, 131. Coronella, coccinea, 59. " doliata, 59. " getula, 86. " rhombomaculata, 86. Sayi, 84. Couperi, Coluber, 92. " Georgia, 92. Crotalidfe, ix. Crotalophorus, 11. " consors, 12. " Edwardsii, 15. " Kirtlandii, 16. " miliarius, 11. " tergeminus, 14. Crotalus, 1. " adamanteus, 8. " atrox, 5. " confluentus, 8. " durissus, 1. " horridus, 3. " Lecontei, 8. " lucifer, 6. " miliarius, 11. " molossus, 10. " oregonus, 145. " tergeminiis, 14. cupreus, Scy talus, 17. cursor, Herpetodryas, 155. D. Dekayi, Storeria, 135. " Tropidonotus, 135. diademata, Ninia, 49. Diadophis, 112. " amabilis, 113. " docilis, 114. " pulchellus, 115. " punctatus, 112. " regalis, 115, 161. Dipsas annulata, 155. docilis, Diadophis, 114. doliata, Coronella, 89. doliatus, Coluber, 89. " Ophibolus, 89. dorsalis, Eutainia, 31. Drummondi, Farancia, 123. Dry ophis Catesboei, 155. dulcis, Rena, 142. durissus, Crotalus, 1. E. Edwardsii, Crotalophorus, 15. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 169 Elaps, 21. " fulvius, 21. " tenere, 22. " tristis, 23. elapsoidea, Calamaria, 133. " Osceola, 133. elegans, Eutainia, 34. Emoryi, Scotophis, 157. erjthrogaster, Coluber, 40. " Nerodia, 40. " Tropidonotus, 40. erythrogrammus, Abastor, 125. " Coluber, 125. " Helicops, 125. " Homalopsis, 25. Erythrolamprus, 82. Eutainia, 24. " concinna, 146. " dorsalis, 31. " elegans, 34. " Faireyi, 25. " infernalis, 26. " leptocephala, 29. " Marciana, 36. " ordinata, 32. " ordinoides, 33. " parietalis, 28. " Pickeringii, 27. " proxima, 25. " radix, 34. " saurita, 24. " sirtalis, 30. " vagrans, 35. eximius, Coluber, 87, 88. " Ophibolus, 87. F. Faireyi, Eutainia, 25. Farancia, 123. " abacurus, 123. " Drummondi, 123. " fasciata, 123. fasciata, Farancia, 123. " Nerodia, 39. fasciatus. Coluber, 40. " Tropidonotus, 40. flagelliformis, Anguis, 98. " Coluber, 98. " Psammophis, 98. Masticophis, 98, 149. flagellum. Coluber, 98. flavigularis, Masticophis, 99. " Psammophis, 99. flaviventris, Bascanion, 96. " Coluber, 96. Foxii, Bascanion, 96. Fremontii, Bascanion, 95. fulvia, Vipera, 21. fulvius. Coluber, 21. " Elaps, 21. G. gentilis, Ophibolus, 90. Georgia, 92. " Couperi, 92. obsoleta, 168. getula, Coronella, 86. getulus, Herpetodryas, 84. " Ophibolus, 85. " Pseudoelaps, 86. gracilis maculata, Vipera, 32. " Tantilla, 131. Grahamiae, Salvadora, 104. Grahamii, Regina, 47. guttatus. Coluber, 78. " Scotophis, 78. H. Haldea, 122. " striatula, 122. Helicops abacurus, 123. " erythrogrammus, 125. Heterodon, 51. " atmodes, 57. " coccineus, 118. " cognatus, 54. " nasicus, 59. " niger, 55. " platyrhinos, 51. " simus, 59. heterodon, Coluber, 51. Herpetodryas cursor, 155. " getulus, 84. " margaritiferus, 155. Hierophis constrictor, 93. flolbrookii, Nei-odia, 43. Homalopsis carinicauda, 155. " erythrogrammus, 125. " plicatilis, var., 155. " Reinwardtii, 123. horridus, Crotalus, 3. humilis, Rena, 143. Hydrops abacurus, 123. " Reinwardtii, 123. I. infernalis, Coluber, 26. " Eutainia, 26. Isabella, Wenona, 140. K. Kirtlandii, Crotalophorus, 16. 170 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. laetus, Scotophis, 77. Lecontei, Crotalus, 8. " Rhinocheilus, 120. leberis, Coluber, 45. " Regina, 45. " Tropidonotus, 45. leptocephala, Eutainia, 29, Leptophis, 106. " sestivus, 106. " majalis, 107, 161. " sauritus, 24. " tffiniatus, 103. Lindheimerii, Scotophis, 73. Lodia, 116. «' tenuis, 116. longissimum, Ophthalmidion, 155. lucifer, Crotalus, 6. Lycodon clelia, 155. M. majalis, Leptophis, 107. Marciana, Eutainia, 36. margaritiferus, Herpetodryas, 155. Masticophis, 98. " flagelliformis, 98, 149. " fiavigularis, 99. " mormon, 101. " ornatus, 102. " Schottii, IGO. " tseniatus, 103. McClellanii, Pituophis, 68. melanocephala, Calamaria, 155. melanoleucus, Coluber, 65. «' Pituophis, 65. " var.. Coluber, 150. miliarius, Caudisona, 11. " Crotalophorus, 11. " Crotalus, 11. mitis, Contia, 110. mokason, Agkistrodon, 17. molossus, Crotalus, 10. mormon. Coluber, 101. " Masticophis, 101. N. nasicus, Heterodon, 61. Nerodia, 38. »< Agassizii, 41. " erythrogaster, 40. << fasciata, 39. " Holbrookii, 43. " niger, 147. " rhombifer, 147. " sipedon, 38. it a n (( (( Nerodia, taxispilota, 43. " transversa, 148. " Woodhousii, 43. niger, Heterodon, 55. " Nerodia, 147. " Tropidonotus, 147. " Vipera, 93. nigra, Vipera, 55. Ninia, 49. " diademata, 49. 0. obsoleta, Georgia, 158. obsoletus. Coluber, 158. occipito-maculata, Storeria, 187. " Tropidonotus, 137. Ophthalmidion, 155. " longissimum, 155. Ophibolus, 82. Boylii, 82. clericus, 88. doliatus, 89. eximius, 74. gentilis, 90. getulus, 85. rhombo-maculatus, 86. Sayi, 84. " splendidus, 83. Ophis californiiB, 153. ordinata, Eutainia, 32. ordinatus. Coluber, 32. " Tropidonotus, 32, 135. ordinoides, Eutainia, 33. " Tropidonotus, 33. oregonus, Crotalus, 145. ornatus, Masticophis, 102. Osceola, 133. " elapsoidea, 133. parietalis. Coluber, 28. Eutainia, 28. Pickeringii, Eutainia, 27. piscivorus, Toxicophis, 19. " Trigonocephalus, 19. Pituophis, 64. " affinis, 66. " annectens, 87. " bellona, 06. " catenifer, 69. " McClellanii, 68. " melanoleucus, 65. " Wilkesii, 86. Pityophis, 64. poecilogaster, Colub«r, 88. porcatus. Coluber, 40. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 171 Psammophis flagelliformis, 98. " flavigularis, 99. Pseudoelaps getulus, 86. y, 87. planiceps, Coluber, 154. platyi-liinos, Heterodon, 51, 59. plicatilis, var. Homalopsis, 155. plumbea, Wenona, 139. proxima, Eutainia, 25. proximus, Coluber, 25. puguax, Toxicophis, 20. pulchellus, Diadophis, 115. punctata, Calamaria, 112. punctatus, Coluber, 112. " Diadophis, 112. «« Spiletes, 112. quadrivittatus, Coluber, 80. " Scotophis, 80. R. radix, Eutainia, 34. regalis, Diadophis, 115. Regina, 45. " Clarkii, 48. " Grahamii, 47. " leberis, 45. " rigida, 46. Reinwardtii, Homalopsis, 123. " Hydrops, 128. Rena, 142. " dulcis, 142. " humilis, 143. Rhinocheilus, 120. Lecontei, 120, 161. Rhinostoma, 118. " coccinea, 118. rhombifer, Nerodia, 147. " Tropidonotus, 147. rhombomaculata, Coronella, 86. rhombomaculatus, Ophibolus, 86. rigida, Regina, 46. rigidus, Coluber, 46. " Tropidonotus, 46. s. Salvadora, 104. " Grahamije, 104, 161. saurita, Coluber, 24. " Eutainia, 24. " Tropidonotus, 25. sauritus, Leptophis, 24. Sayi, Coluber, 84, 151. " Coronella, 84. Ophibolus, 84. Schottii, Masticophis, 160. Scotophis, 73. " alleghaniensis, 72. " confinis, 76. " guttatus, 78. " l:etus. 77. " Lindheimerii, 74. " quadrivittatus, 80. " vulpinus, 75. Scytalus cupreus, 17. semiannulata, Sonora, 117. septemvittatus. Coluber, 45. simus, Coluber, 59. " Heterodon, 59. sipedon, Coluber, 38. " Nerodia, 38. " Tropidonotus, 88. sirtalis. Coluber, 30. " Eutainia, 30. " Tropidonotus, 30. Sonora, 117. " semiannulata, 117. splendidus, Ophibolus, 82. Spiletes punctatus, 112. Storeria, 135. " Dekayi, 135. " occipito-maculata, 137. striatula, Calamaria, 122. Haldea, 122. striatulus. Coluber, 122. T. tssenia, Tropidonotus, 30. tseniatus, Leptophis, 103. toeniatus, Masticophis, 108. Tantilla, 131. " coronata, 131. gracilis, 132, 161. taxispilota, Nerodia, 43. taxispilotus, Coluber, 43. '• Tropidonotus, 43. tenere, Elaps, 22. tenuis, Calamaria, 116. " Lodia, 116. tergeminus, Crotalophorus, 14, " Crotalus, 14. testaceus. Coluber, 150. thraso. Coluber, 55. Tortrix Bottfe, 154. Toxicophis, 19. ^ " atrofuscus, 149. " piscivorus, 19. " pugnax, 20. transversa, Nerodia, 148. '.■^ 172 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. transversus, Tropidonotus, 148. Trigonocephalus atrofuscus, 150. " cenchris, 17. " contortrix, 17. " piscivorus, 19. tristis, Elaps, 23. Tropidonotus bipunctatus, 30. " concinnus, 146. Dekayi, 135. erythrogaster, 41. fasciatus, 40. leberis, 45. niger, 147. occipito-maculatus, 137. " ordinatus, Storer, 135. " ordinatus, Holbr. 32. " ordinoides, 33. " rhombifer, 147. '♦ rigidus, 46. " saurita, 25. " sipedon, 38. " sirtalis, 30. " tasnia, 30. " taxispilotus, 43. " transversus, 148. Typhlopidae, ix. V. vagrans, Eutainia, 35. Valerise, Virginia, 127. vernalis, Chlorosoma, 108. Coluber, 108. ventre cuprei coloris, Vipera, 41. venustus, Coluber, 137. vertebralis, Coluber, 152. v^tustus, Bascanion, 97. Vipera capite viperrens, 59. " caudisona americana, 1. " " " minor, 11. " fulvia, 21. " gracilis maculata, 32. niger, 93. nigra, 65. " ventre cuprei coloris, 41. " viridis maculatus, 32. Virginia, 127. " Valerias, 127. viridis, Anguis, 106. " maculatus, Vipera, 32. vulpinus, Scotophis, 75. w. Wenona, 139. " Isabella, 140. " plumbea, 139. Wilkesii, Pituophis, 71. Woodhousii, Nerodia, 42. Y. Y, Pseudoelaps, 87. z. Zacholus zonatus, 153. zonatus, Coluber (Zacholus), 153. THE END. w mm ( i 1 ^m ipf':; i ■/■[■': 4 in ■, i,;.