Lindheimer's Coluber

Coluber obsoletus, variety lindheimeri, (B. & G.)

Colouration: The pattern is difficult to describe. It might be explained as an extreme development of the tendency for the scales to show pale edges-this being explained in connection with the preceding serpent. There is a series of large, blue-black blotches on the back and a smaller series on the sides; within these blotches the skin between the scales is of much the same hue as the blotches themselves. Between the blotches the greater number of scales have bright yellow edges and blue-black centres; mixed with these scales are others that have bright red edges; the skin between the scales may be brick-red or yellowish.
Dimensions: Attains a length of eight feet. The general conformation is similar to the typical form.
Distribution: Texas.
Habits: When first captive these snakes are vicious, vibrating the tail and striking with a sharp hiss. They soon become moderately tame but can seldom he trusted as they are nervous and resent undue familiarity.

Larger in size than the typical (preceding) form. Head flat and square; the eyes large.

The upper surface of the head is black; the lip plates white.

A large specimen in the writer's collection thrived for six years' time, when it unfortunately escaped. This snake was very fond of rats and would devour from four to six full-grown individuals at a meal. It would also eat half-grown rabbits, pigeons, young chickens and sparrows. In addition to this varied fare, it exhibited-like all the colubers-a decided fondness for eggs. Six or eight of these (hen's eggs) would be greedily consumed, but, unlike the bull snakes (Pituophis), which crush the shells in the throat and swallow the fragments, this serpent usually swallowed the eggs entire. It showed a decided antipathy to dampness and after the cage had been washed would glide about uneasily until it was thoroughly dry-nor would the snake eat, if the cage was the least bit damp. It was after the cage had been washed and the snake was very restless, that the reptile escaped, by prying back one of the sliding doors.

The room was searched when it was discovered that the snake had escaped from the window, carrying several flower pots with it, which were found broken in the yard beneath. A careful detour of the neighborhood resulted in no trace of the reptile. After several months' time it was discovered in a cellar, about half a mile away from the writer's home. A general alarm spread quickly, but failed to reach the owner in time to rescue the snake. Before he arrived upon the scene a party armed with several shotguns and revolvers had killed the "monster" and incidentally broken considerable glass. Into a cellar reeking with gunpowder fumes, the writer was directed by a corps of indignant neighbours. The mangled reptile appeared to be very stout and well-nourished. A mild suggestion to the effect that the snake was perfectly harmless, and had been ridding the place of rats and mice, was met by an emphatic explanation that the use of traps composed a more dignified method of dealing with the pests.