20 



VENOMS 



Fers-de-lance from ^Martinique, taking care to keep them in a hot- 

 house, at a temperature of about 82° to 86° F. 



It is also ver}' important to place inside the cases a vessel full 

 of water, which should be frequently changed, for almost all snakes 

 drink often and like to bathe for whole days at a time. 



Fig. 18. — Catching a Cobra-di-CnpcUo {Naja tripitdunis). Second Stage. 

 (At the French Settlement of Pondicherrj', iu India.) 



Within their reach should be placed in addition branches and 

 rockwork, against which they rub at the viouWuhi times, in order 

 periodically to rid themselves of their scarf-skin. 



While moulting, snakes must neither be touched nor fed, since 

 to force them to take food at such a time would be fatal. 



Snake-catching . — The capture of poisonous snakes, in order to 

 keep them alive, can only be performed without danger by skilful 

 persons, who are possessed of much coolness. 



