188 THE VIVARIUM. 
den or dens made on the same plan as those are constructed on in 
which the Pythons and Boas are kept in the Reptile House in the 
Zoological Gardens, London. 
In preparing any kind of case for these Snakes, it should 
always be an aim to see that it is so arranged that the tempera- 
ture within it shall be under complete control; that there is 
plenty of room within it, with the help of shelves and suitable 
branches of trees, for the inmates to obtain exercise; that the 
tank is large, large enough, if possible, to allow of the Snake or 
Snakes bathing without causing the water to overflow its sides 
(the tank should be square or oblong, so that it can be placed 
quite close to two sides of the case, or the Snakes will squeeze 
themselves between it and the walls of the den, and be constantly 
pushing it from its proper position); and that there are no 
narrow spaces inside the Vivarium—a shelf, for instance, must be 
quite close to the side of the case, or well away from it, or the 
Snakes will be sure to hurt themselves by trying to get through 
an opening which is far too small to receive their bodies (these 
Reptiles seem very stupid in this respect). 
Of course, it is not wise to give any detailed directions for the 
construction of these larger and more expensive vivaria, which 
should be made, as far as possible, of plate glass, Portland 
cement, and brick or stone, for every amateur will be obliged to 
arrange for their building according to his surroundings and con- 
veniences. But many of the Boidw can be kept satisfactorily in 
confinement without going to the expense of making Vivaria as 
costly as those just referred to. 
The Snakes under these circumstances should be young and 
small for their size. Personally, I prefer small Snakes to large 
ones, and I dare say there are many other amateurs who have 
similar tastes. Of course, these Snakes, when properly managed, 
soon increase in size, but by that time they will probably have 
become so tame that they may frequently be allowed out of their 
cases to enjoy a roam about some warm and suitable room or a 
climb about the person of their owner. To my mind one of the 
attractions of Snakes is that they may be handled, and that the 
handling does not hurt them, but conduces very much to their 
tameness. I cannot see how anybody can love his horse or dog 
