COMMON FROG SWALLOWING A CHICKEN (DEAD). 
SOESERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMEND 
OP REE Giles: 
WITH NOTES ON FEEDING REPTILES IN CAPTIVITY. 
By RAYMOND L. DITMARS. 
CURATOR OF REPTILES. 
T the close of the past year the Reptile House contained 
seven hundred and seventy-two specimens, representing 
one hundred and fourteen species. The care of over seven hun- 
dred capricious creatures demands a constant play of ingenuity, 
or unsatisfactory results would inevitably follow. Appetites of 
the most capricious character must be tempted, while ailments 
far different from those which inconvenience the warm-blooded 
animals are continually encountered. Generally speaking, a large 
collection of reptiles requires unusual care, and during the course 
of events the curator has the opportunity to observe many inci- 
dents of much interest. For the purpose of recording some of his 
observations, and also illustrating how reptiles are cared for, the 
following notes have been prepared. 
Of primary importance in the care of reptiles, is the feeding. 
The various species of snakes require their food at intervals that 
depend upon their activity. The large constricting snakes, such 
as the pythons, boas, and anacondas, are very sluggish, and 
