THEY HABITS OF SNAKES: 45 
than fowl lice. On close observation of the living snakes I dis- 
covered they were all swarming with these tiny vermin, which 
harboured under and between the scales. I immediately caused 
the snakes to be thoroughly oiled all over, and the cages washed 
out with disinfectant. We were never again troubled with lice, 
The parasites had doubtless been introduced by a snake which 
had, in the wild state, been infested with them. 
THE HABITS OF SNAKES. 
When we study the habits of various creatures, we find that 
their customs are regulated by their food supply, the necessity 
for avoiding enemies and climatic conditions. 
Snakes come forth in search of their prey, both during the 
daytime and at night. During the heat of the day they issue 
from their various retreats to bask in the sun’s warm rays, for 
their blood is cold, and they love the heat. It means life and 
vitality to them. Tree Snakes hunt mostly during the day- 
time, both among the foliage and upon the ground, for their 
food. The Cobra, Puff Adder, Ringhals, and various other snakes, 
whose chief diet consists of toads, rats, and mice, usually issue 
forth toward sundown, and actively scour the neighbourhood, 
knowing that the creatures on which they prey are in the habit 
of going out about that time and during the evening. When 
the temperature of the air is fairly warm, snakes may be seen at 
any hour of the day or night. As a rule, they do not wander 
much on dark nights, but in the warm moonlight they are in- 
variably out looking for food. 
Snakes strongly dislike cold and wet, and on the approach of 
rain, or if the temperature of the air falls, they hasten away to their 
snug retreats, and await the return of bright and warm weather. 
Beetles, slugs, and other insects, which constitute the chief 
food of toads, invariably go out about sundown to feed upon 
other insects or vegetation. The toads, knowing this, come out 
from their lairs at these times. The crafty Cobra, knowing he 
is most likely to find a good fat toad for his supper about sundown, 
also comes forth and spies around. Because the vegetation is 
damp and succulent after sunset, the insect prefers to eat it 
at that time. The toad comes out and eats its prey, and the 
