35 
against obstructions in their path, and raising 
the numerous large over-lapping scales or scutes 
on the underside of the body against the rough 
surface over which they swiftly glide. ‘“ You 
have certainly placed a snake on a smooth sur- 
face, as a dish or a polished table, and noted 
with amusement how vainly it endeavored to 
escape.” 
“Yes, my dear Count, I have enjoyed that 
experiment, and I noted its futile efforts to 
make progress over the smooth surface of its 
resting place; then I have removed the subject 
and placed it on a carpeted floor, and noticed 
how quickly it glided away. Such experiments 
convinced me that the large scutes were in some 
important manner very necessary aids in snake 
locomotion. But what is the explanation of a 
snake’s progress in water?” 
“In water the snake’s progress is dependent 
on pushing curved portions of its graceful body 
against the resisting fluid. Snakes never ad- 
vance in water by vertical curves, but always 
from side to side, or in horizontal curves.” 
SENSES OF SNAKES. 
The senses of snakes are not acute. But I 
am convinced, by the results of careful study 
of my pets, that snakes are very sensitive to 
motion and to touch. Frequently I have 
quietly approached my “snake box,” raised 
the lid very gently, and watched my snakes in 
