The Press., 1889-12-05

are directed backward, so as to catch the surfaces of the bodies to which they ars apglied and to prevent any retrograde movement. Every scale is connected with a particular set of muscular fbers capable of raising or depressing it, so that in this way it is connected into kind of toe, and thus the body rests on the ground by num- erous fixed points of support"
 It would be out of place here to explain the whole form of the vertebra suffice it to say that it admits of its assuming any degree and variety of curvature. Even this is nor all-all the ribs play into con- cave protuberances, of the vertebra. To quote further from the same author
 "Each rib terminates in slender cartil- age, tapering to point, which rests for its whole length upon the upper surface of one of it's broad scuta or broad scales on the under side of the body. These scuta are also moved by short muscles, and may bs compared to hoofs while the ribs may. be considered as performing the office of legs. The ribs move in pairs, and the |scutum under each pair being carried along with it in all it's motions, and laying hold of the ground by it's projecting ledge, becomes fixed point for the advance of the body. The serpent advances by creeping, vermicular motion-in fact, 8 succession of short steps but its progress is accelerated by the curvatures into which it throws its body. Where expedition is needed, the body can be raised in one great arch, of which only the extremeties touch the ground. When in fear, or to escape danger, they coil themselves into 8 spiral by contracting the muscles of the body first on one side, then on the other, till it is propelled as if by the release and unwinding of a powerful spring with an impulse that raises it some height from the ground and projects it to considerable distance"
 Now, if my unscientifc readers will note the above rough outline of the organize tion of serpent, they will see how impos- sible it would be for snake to make itself into circle, especially with it's tail in its mouth. This would efectually stop pro- gression, as all fexibility would be arrest ed, on which the creature depends for it's marvellous speed. This superstition is on a par with the violent hissing of snakes and their poisonous tongues. The latter delicate organ is thrust out quivering when the snake is in fear, or actuated by curi- osity (of which they have large share) to touch ony near object, and is constantly used on it's food. I have often seen my snakes in confinement test the food offered | | by the result. As to hissing, very few snakes make any noise at all, and then it is more of puffing, blowing or whistling noise, and mostly noticeable during the breeding season.
 should like to touch on one point con- nected with snakes that should be impress ed on every farmer in relation to the milk and other harmless snakes. It is pity they are being so indiscriminately slaugh- tered. As the birds destroy insect life, snakes are the persevering hunters of rodents, beetles and their larvae, etc. The farmers have already found out that by the destruction of insectivorous birds insect pests have incresed, to the detriment of their crops. So it is that the same policy with regard to the harmless snakes is giv- ing the rats and mice full sway in the harvest fields.
 will terminate with story farmer told me- He said there was an old snake on their farm that year by year made it's appearance among the sheaves of corn and soon cleared them of vermin effectually.
 His father would not have the creature
 molested, and it came and went at pleas.
 ure. Farmers, kill all your rattlers and
 copperheads, but spare the harmless ones 1 it will pay you to do it.