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Blacksnake — Part 3
The batch of eggs under discussion was placed in a pail containing a composition of decaying pulp from the heart of a dead tree, mixed with sphagnum moss--making an excellent hatching medium. Following are several notes taken during the development of these eggs.
July 6th, Eight eggs deposited. Length 1 7/8 inches; diameter 11/16 of an inch. On opening one of the eggs it was found to contain a minute embryo, coiled--like the hair-spring of a watch. The eggs were placed in an incubating medium.
July 20th, The eggs have increased in size, but maintain their symmetrical outlines. Length, 2 inches; diameter, 7/8 of an inch.
Aug. 15th, The eggs have increased greatly in size, especially in diameter, becoming globular, rather than cylindrical--appearing lumpy and irregular in outlines. On opening one of them, it was found to contain an embryo five inches in length. This is colourless, but shows the scalation to be well formed. The head of the little creature is abnormally large, while the body is so translucent that when held before the light the heart may be seen performing its regular pulsations. The only movement of this immature specimen is a slight twitching of the body.
Sept. 4th, Two snakes emerged from the eggs. They resemble young milk snakes owing to the strikingly blotched pattern. Length, 8 3/4 inches; diameter 3/16 of an inch.
Sept. 5th, The remainder of the eggs hatched on this date.
The following valuable information concerning the breeding habits of the Blacksnake is quoted from the notes of Mr. C.S.Brimley, (The American Naturalist, Vol. XXXVII, No. 436, April, 1903.) to whom the writer is indebted for various suggestions and many interesting living specimens: