57 



(vitality) from the rays of the sun. 



It is noticeable, also, that snakes kept in cool 

 climates, with their room warmed artificially, never 

 show the same amount of vitality and energy as 

 those kept in the natural warmth of an Eastern 

 climate. 



When snakes are first caught they will pro- when snakes 

 bably refuse to eat for a long time, owing to fear, p^^^® *^^'^ 

 This is accounted for by the fact that after a large 

 meal, or when swallowing anything, a snake is 

 necessarily handicapped if subject to attack. 



When feeding, a snake usually swallows its How a Snake 

 prey head-first, so that the fur or feathers may not ^^^^* 

 catch in its throat. 



Having seized it, it proceeds to push it down 

 its throat with its teeth, by moving forward first 

 on one side of the jaw and then the other. The 

 snake's teeth curved backwards towards the 

 throat, prevent the prey from escaping. The 

 muscles of the throat also grip the animal and 

 help m the crushing process. 



While the food is in the snake's mouth the Protrution of 

 latter protrudes the end of its windpipe to a when^^^^ 

 distance of about twice or three times the pipe's swallowing. 

 own width, beyond the lower lip, where, opening 

 and closing, it takes in air, and saves the snake 

 from suffocation. 



During the process of swallowing the snake 

 curves its body about to assist the muscles in their 

 work of forcing down the food. 



This process completed, the snake remains 

 still and yawns prodigiously at intervals, a process 

 which probably helps to exude the salivary fluids, 

 which assist the digestion. After moving about 

 for a short time (probably an additional aid to the 

 digestive fluids) the snake goes to sleep. 



If frightened, after having a meal, a timid 

 snake will sometimes eject its food. 



