200 THE VIVARIUM. 
one-seventh of the creature’s entire length. There are some 
often quoted stories concerning the great Reptile which cannot 
be relied upon as to their accuracy. 
Of all the large Snakes, the West African Python (22 wile 
sebw) is the hardiest, being able to endure a comparatively low 
temperature. It is generally, while in captivity, a good feeder 
and, with proper treatment, is easily tamed. No large Snake 
used to be imported into this country in such large numbers as 
this, but of recent years the Indian Python (P. molurus) seems 
to have taken its place. Still, however, a healthy specimen of 
P. sebe, of about 4ft. in length, can sometimes be bought for 
about 25s. At any time, I think that a Snake of this species 
and of the above size may be purchased of our largest dealers 
in these Reptiles for from £2 5s. to £3. 
In buying any snake, the amateur, if possible, should see it travel 
over the ground or a floor, so that he may be able to judge from 
its movements whether it has been injured or not. Its motion 
should be graceful, easy, and flowing. A Snake, while being 
captured, is sometimes injured in the backbone, and any serious 
hurt would be likely to be noticed while the creature was 
crawling. A careful examination should also be made of the 
animal’s head and body for any swellings or symptoms of disease. 
These large Serpents not seldom suffer from tumours. A Snake 
which has lately shed its slough should be chosen in preference to 
one which is about to do so. The Reptile ought also to be 
handled to test its vigour and firmness: when limp, the animal 
should be rejected. If it seems savage and tries to bite, so much 
the better. The colour should be bright and iridescent, and not 
dull or dead. It is always wise to buy Snakes and other Reptiles 
as soon after capture as possible. 
The Pythons and some other Snakes incubate their eggs. Jn 
1862 a Python sebe laid upwards of a hundred eggs, and for more 
than seven weeks patiently ‘‘sate’’ on them, guarding them most 
jealously all the time. Unfortunately she was disturbed several 
times by the cleaning of her den; the giving of food to her com- 
panion, the male; the overflowing of the tank, and the necessary 
consequent re-arrangement of the eggs ; the ‘‘changing of her skin’’ 
on the fifty-third day ; and the insertion of a thermometer between 
