SNAKES 105 



{p) Horned Viper, Cerastes cornutus. 



June 20, November 7, January 28, March 6. 

 {q) Gaboon Viper, Bitis gabonensis. 



July 22, February 3, June 19. 

 (r) Gaboon Viper, Bitis gabonensis. 



July 24, December 6, May 17, July 23. 



From the above records it may be observed that snakes 

 may shed on as many as nine occasions in the course of a 

 year, and as few as three occasions, the intervening periods 

 varying from fourteen days to six and a half months. 

 Quite young snakes shed about the second or third day 

 after birth and again a fortnight later. A common ailment 

 to w^hich many captive specimens succumb is the inability 

 to shed, and they should, therefore, be aided in the 

 operation when necessary. 



The food of most snakes consists of mammals, birds, 

 lizards, frogs, and fish. Few snakes are, strictly speaking, 

 cannibals, but a good many eat other snakes specifically 

 different from themselves. Some are fond of eggs, while 

 a few are insectivorous. Vegetarian snakes are unknown. 



Snakes employ various methods for killing their prey. 

 The Boas and Pythons, and various other non-poisonous 

 kinds, having seized the victim, throw one or more of their 

 coils round it, and crush it to death ; they do not, as has 

 often been stated, break the bones in order to reduce its 

 bulk. Many non-poisonous species, and a few of the 

 poisonous ones, start feeding straight away, without any 

 attempt at killing, while other poisonous snakes, and 

 most vipers, strike at their food before seizing it, and 

 patiently wait for the poison to take effect. In most cases 



