PREFACE. 
Up to the present time there has been no reliable work 
on the management of the many attractive batrachians, 
reptiles, etc., that can be readily kept in confinement. Yet 
there are no more charming and interesting pets than such 
as can be included in an amateur’s Vivarium. For these 
reasons this book has been written, and readers may rely 
on the information given in the following pages being the 
outcome of practical experience, the result of my having 
kept these interesting and extraordinary animals for very 
many years. 
For information concerning some of the animals of which 
this book treats I am much indebted to the writings of Dr. 
Ginther, Mr. Boulenger, Dr. Stradling, and others, and to 
the obliging keeper of the Reptile House at the Zoological 
Gardens, London, Mr. J. Tyrrell. 
G.. GS. 
Jacobstowe Rectory, North Devon, 
July 28th, 1897, 
