any varieties of this snake. Both the Ribbon Snakes and
the Garter Snakes belong to the genus Eutaenia, which is the most
numerous of those of the United States. They are all striped snakes and
are very much like the water snakes in structure. There is no easily
distinguished characteristic that would enable a boy, at a glance, to
tell a Garter Snake. They vary widely in color and marking.

THE WATER SNAKES.

Here is another genus of snakes that is found commonly in many sections
of our country. They frequent the vicinity of water and swim with ease,
feeding on frogs, toads, fish. The Queen Snake is found generally east
of the Mississippi Valley. It is brown above and has yellow stripes on
the side. The Banded Water Snake is the water snake which is commonly
found in the southern part of the United States east of Texas. It
closely resembles the Moccasin, a poisonous snake, and is often mistaken
for it. It attains an average length of over a yard. When alarmed, like
all the water snakes, it takes to the water for refuge. This genus never
preys on birds or mice. It is one of the most common of the southern
snakes. The Red-bellied Water Snake is found in the east, but not north
of Virginia. The Common Water Snake is the northern representative of
this genus. These snakes are popularly known as "Moccasins." The Diamond
Back Water Snake is common along the lower Mississippi states. They
average four feet in length. May be seen on low branches overhanging
water. The Green Water Snake is similar in habit to the Diamond Back
and is found in the Gulf and the Mississippi Valley states. One
peculiarity of the water snakes is their love of their home. They pick
out a particular sunning place and will return to it regularly.

[Illustration: WATER SNAKE.]

THE GROUND SNAKE OR BROWN SNAKE.

This is a common snake, found all over the United States east of the
Rocky Mountains. It is small in size, about a foot long and slender, and
hides under stones, where it probably feeds on the worms and forms of
insect life that live in such places.

THE RACERS.

The serpents of this type are very active and nervous. The Gopher Snake,
or Indigo Snake, is one of the largest found in the United States. It
has been known to measure over eight feet in length. It is found from
Texas eastward in the Gulf states. Its scales have a polished appearance
and are blue black in color. It may be seen in sandy stretches. When
feeding it holds its pr