40 



Serpents may be caught with a wire-noose, 

 fixed to the end of a pole, by passing it over 

 their heads. Thus I have brought tliem to a 

 convenient place; and, vpith a pair of forceps, a 

 bit of pointed wood may be introduced into their 

 mouths, to extend their jaws, in order to ex- 

 amine them. They are easily killed by a slight 

 blow on the head. 



The best method of taking «fF the skin, is 

 to make an incision at the vent, a few inches in 

 length, or even up to the head. The skin may 

 then be separated, by introducing the fingers be- 

 twixt it and the body ; or, if the scales are not 

 large, it may be skinned in the same manner as 

 is commonly practised with eels. The body 

 must then be cut off from the head, and the 

 brains,. together with the eyes, and all the flesJjy 

 parts must be taken out, without disturbing the 

 fangs, jaws, or tongue. The skin may then be 

 pulled down as far as the tail, which should be 



