Karl Patterson Schmidt was one of America’s most influential naturalists. In his special field of herpetology-the study of reptiles and amphibians-he made fascinating discoveries about the habits of snakes and their environment.

This biography follows his exciting career from his boyhood in Lake Forest, Illinois, through his college days at Cornell, his participation in geological expeditions, his first job as a herpetologist at the American Museum of Natural History, and his later expeditions which took him all over the world.

As you trace the path of Schmidt’s career, you can follow his footsteps with a series of fun projects including: Finding Reptiles and Amphibians and Assembling a Scrap Book of Herpetological Pets. All the equipment you need is inexpensive or easily made. With patience and persistence you can find reptiles and amphibians wherever you happen to live.