central portions of the
United States. The Florida Skink in southern Florida. The Black Skink
from Pennsylvania southward to Texas.

Here we reach the end of the order of reptiles known as lizards; the
next order is that of the snakes.

THE SNAKES

THE OPHIDIA OR SNAKES.

Snakes are closely related to lizards. Some lizards, as you have already
seen, are very much like snakes in form. The main distinguishing
features of the snake are the elastic tissue which connects the two
halves of the lower jaw and the absence of eyelids. Snakes are
carnivorous and are capable of moving with great ease and swiftness
notwithstanding their lack of limbs. They cast their skins several times
a year. Many of the snakes are poisonous, and authorities tell us that
there is no external characteristic that indicates which are poisonous
and which are not.

THE BLIND SNAKES.

This is a low form of snake. They are worm-like and burrowing. The Texas
Blind Snake is found in Texas and New Mexico. The California Blind Snake
in California and Mexico.

THE BOAS.

The most common member of this family that comes within the range of
this article is a snake that is found in the Pacific states and eastward
as far as Nevada. It is over a foot in length and about half an inch in
diameter. Various names have been given to it; in certain sections it is
called the Rubber Boa, in others the Silver Snake, Two-headed Snake,
Worm Snake. The name Two-headed Snake is given it evidently on account
of the stubby appearance of the tail end.

THE RIBBON SNAKES.

These snakes have a yellow stripe along the back and the sides. They are
long, slim snakes; specimens have been seen that measured nearly three
feet long, although the average length is about two feet. It is found
east of the Mississippi, but is not common. It frequents the banks of
water to feed on young frogs and so forth. They swim well and are at
home in the water. In the Western Ribbon Snake the back stripe is darker
than those on the side, or in some instances a different color.

THE GARTER SNAKES.

These are found all over the United States and are perfectly harmless.
They are abundant. Burrowing in the ground in the late fall they remain
there all winter. Even the boy living in the large cities may, without
going out of the city limits, find these snakes. They are quite commonly
found in large public parks. They like frogs and toads and bolt their
food. There are m