Page:Natural History, Reptiles.djvu/200

192 motions, and of some, as the Black Snake (Coluber constrictor) of North America, the fleetness on the ground is reported to be equal to that of a horse. Many of them climb about trees in search of prey, and are often seen lying along upon the branches, with the foreparts hanging down, or gliding from bough to bough; and there are some species (Leptophis) of great length and tenuity, distinguished by their bright colours and changeable metallic reflections, which spend their lives among the foliage of trees. Most of the Family will voluntarily take to the water on occasion, in which, though not displaying any especial natatory structure, they are able to swim with great elegance and rapidity both at and beneath the surface. The common Ringed Snake of our fields will often, as it is said, go into the water in the pursuit of frogs, its favourite prey.

The smaller harmless Snakes are exceedingly numerous in warm countries, and inhabit various localities and situations. Rocky places, old dry walls, heaps of stones and rubbish, are favourite haunts of many, others glide among the heaths of upland plains, and others rustle the fallen leaves beneath the trees of the damp forest; some live in the long grass of savannahs, some in the dense and impenetrable jungle; some resort to the naked and burning deserts of sand and stone, and not a few prefer the vicinity of swamps and morasses. They occur, in fact, everywhere; “but the numerous enemies they have among the smaller quadrupeds and birds keep their increase in check. The wild hog, peccary, badger, hedgehog, weasel, civet, ichneumon, and other Carnivora, devour them with avidity; the stork, the