20 VENOMS 
Fers-de-lance from Martinique, taking care to keep them in a hot- 
house, at a temperature of about 82° to 86° F. 
It is also very important to place inside the cases a vessel full 
of water, which should be frequently changed, for almost all snakes 
drink often and like to bathe for whole days at a time. 
Fic. 18.—CarcHING a Cobra-di-Capello (Naja tripudians), SECOND STAGE. 
(At the French Settlement of Pondicherry, in India.) 
Within their reach should be placed in addition branches and 
rockwork, against which they rub at the moulting times, in order 
periodically to rid themselves of their scarf-skin. 
While moulting, snakes must neither be touched nor fed, since 
to force them to take food at such a time would be fatal. 
Snake-catching.—The capture of poisonous snakes, in order to 
keep them alive, can only be performed without danger by skilful 
persons, who are possessed of much coolness. 
