HABITS OF POISONOUS SNAKES. THEIR CAPTURE 21 
The best way of securing them is suddenly to pin the neck to 
the ground by means of a stick held horizontally, or a small two- 
pronged fork of wood or metal (fig. 17). 
The stick is rolled along 
until close to the occiput 
(fig. 18). The animal can 
then be seized with the 
hand immediately behind 
the head, in such a way 
that it is impossible for it 
to turn and bite. It is 
then put into a wire cage, 
provided with a small mov- 
able trapdoor, with the fas- 
tening on the outside. 
In this way poisonous 
snakes can be sent to a 
distance, and left without 
food for one or even two 
months, provided that they 
be kept in a place which is 
somewhat moist and suffi- 
ciently warm. 
Fig. 19 shows how cap- 
tured cobras are carried in 
India, in the environs of 
Pondicherry. They are en- 
closed in earthern chatties, 
or in baskets of plaited 
bamboo, which are pro- 
vided with covers, and are 
? : Fie. 19.—HInpdu CARRYING Two CAPTURED 
very convenient for carrying Bras vs (Omi 
snakes short distances. 
