SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 147 
snake equal three, and note the result. A blacksnake was killed, 
and frogs were run down its throat until the reptile’s distensibil- 
ity was taxed to the utmost. A ligature of fine silk was then 
placed around its neck to keep the dozen frogs within the hero- 
ically distended snake. It was with some anxiety that this prep- 
aration was offered the King Cobra, but he quickly dispelled all 
apprehension by eating the stuffed blacksnake. Since that time, 
he has been fed one of these meals every week, with equal benefit 
to himself and to those whose duty it is to keep him alive and in 
good health. : 
It is interesting to note the likes and dislikes of the larger 
constricting snakes. While some pythons feed readily upon rab- 
bits, others demand chickens and pigeons. Frequently there are 
examples, in the same cage, of several snakes of the same species, 
each demanding different fare. One will take pigeons, another 
chickens, while a third will eat nothing but rabbits. Each of 
these snakes may feed voraciously upon the creatures it specially 
desires, but so eccentric are their ideas that they would con- 
tinually refused the food of their cage-mates, should the same be 
repeatedly offered, and would eventually starve to death unless 
provided with the food ascertained by experimental feeding to 
be to their liking. 
It is among the boas and pythons that individuals with such 
capricious appetites most frequently cause apprehension as to 
their feeding, and necessitate compulsory measures. 
The history of the big Reticulated Python, Czarina, now in the 
Reptile House nearly two years, illustrates the measures some- 
times necessary in the care of reptiles. When Czarina arrived 
at the Park, she was incased in an old skin which should have 
been shed weeks previously. She was treated to a steam bath, 
which softened the old cuticle, from which she presently 
emerged, glittering and scintillating with all colors of the rain- 
bow. A few days after this big snake’s arrival, it was discovered 
that she was suffering from canker of the mouth, a disease all 
too common amongst reptiles. 
As Czarina measured nearly twenty-five feet, and exhibited 
strength that matched her hostile disposition, the task of taking 
her from the cage, and washing the infected mouth at regular 
intervals for over two months’ time, involved considerable energy 
on the part of the men. The infection of the lower jaw was as 
last completely cured, and various reptilian dainties were offered 
in the hope that she would eat. When she had refused food 
for another month, it was decided to take her from the cage, 
