SNAKES. 227 
be kept in its place, and the Snakes cannot burrow wnder it. Two 
tins are used, so that when the smaller, whose place is within 
that of the larger, is removed daily for cleansing purposes and for 
fresh water, the Snakes will be prevented by the larger from 
getting between the two bottoms of the Vivarium. The false 
bottom is constructed in order that the Snakes, when on the 
floor of their case, may have no difficulty in finding the water. 
The felt I have found more suitable for such a Vivarium as this 
than gravel, for the gravel, when used, is constantly being swept 
by the Snakes into their bath. The felt is very easily cleaned. 
Two pieces should be provided for each Vivarium, so that a clean 
and dry piece may always be ready to take the place of that 
which is dirty and damp. When the dirty felt has been well 
dried, it can be quickly cleaned by being rubbed with a hard brush, 
The tins may be protected from rust by a coat or two of Bruns- 
wick black, or some similar preparation. 
The branches of trees, as already described, should not be 
omitted from the case, nor pieces of cork or oak-bark under which 
the Snake can hide. Snakes not only like, but need places of 
retirement. A box, half full of dry moss, may be prepared as a 
substitute for the cork or bark. The length of the box should 
equal the width of the case (inside measurement). A little door, 
which will open and close easily, must be made in one side of the 
box. The box, which should also be provided with a lid capable 
of being very securely fastened, may be placed at one end of the 
case inside, or hung to the outside of an end of the case (if the 
side be of wood) through which a hole has been cut to correspond 
to the door in the side of the box. Of course, the box should be 
fastened so firmly to the outside of the Vivarium that there can be 
no chance of a Snake’s escape. This box arrangement is very 
convenient, for the Snakes can be shut in when the Vivarium is 
being cleaned ; besides, the box, when placed inside the Vivarium, 
can be removed anywhere with the Snakes it contains, 
The Snakes will le often with their heads outside the box, 
watching seemingly for the introduction of food into their tank. 
The box retreat, however, does not interfere with their becoming 
tame, or with their climbing into the branches of trees, or with 
their reclining in full view upon the felt. 
Q 2 
