CHAPTER II. 
HOW TO MAKE VIVARIA. 
S the Reptiles and Batrachians which may be kept success- 
A fully in confinement are so different in form and habit, it 
is necessary to describe a variety of Vivaria, or cases. 
Handsome Vivaria may be readily bought in London, and other 
large towns, but they are rather expensive and not always suit- 
able for their purpose. If money, indeed, be not an object, it is 
wise to choose those Vivaria which are constructed most like the 
ones in use in the beautiful and well-kept Reptile House in 
Regent’s Park. Such cases would in all probability be well 
wo1th the money given for them. However, very convenient 
Vivaria for Reptiles and Batrachians—and by no means un- 
sightly—may easily and cheaply be made by an ordinary amateur 
carpenter. It is proposed to give in this chapter directions for. 
the building of such; and I will try to write as simply and as 
plainly as I can, in order that a young schoolboy may, if he 
think fit, readily understand how to construct, without difficulty, 
a suitable case for his Reptilian pets. 
Fig. 1 represents a very useful summer case for either Snakes 
(not those that eat mice) or Lizards. It is made of well- 
seasoned match-boarding, glass, and canvas. This kind of wood 
is recommended because of the readiness with which it is jointed, 
and the grooves with which it is provided are very convenient for 
the reception of the glass. 
The following are good dimensions for such a Vivarium as 
this: 3ft. 6in. long, about 20in. wide (or three boards wide), and 
