1 64 HOURS WITH NATURE. 



of perfect repose in some unfrequented lonely spot ; 

 tussocks of grass, dry leaves and twigs, a fissure or a 

 hole in the ground, or some such convenient hiding- 

 place giving it shelter. During the summer, it creeps 

 out of its concealment in the forenoon and goes for a 

 drink if water he near ; but it seldom ventures into the 

 open, unless satisfied that the coast is clear. While 

 drinking, it keeps its head under water. Like many 

 other animals that live by preying upqn others, the, 

 snake comes out at night, and, having satisfied hunger, 

 retires to digest its food, to a cool breezy place in 

 summer, and to a cozy retreat in wet weather. It must 

 not be understood, however, that the snake never feeds 

 during the day. For, who has not seen the common 

 hele sap (grass snake) pursuing small toads and frogs m 

 broad day-light ? The snake seldom comes out during 

 the winter. The most enjoyable time for a snake is the 

 early part of the rainy season ; it is very lively at that 

 time. The habits of different species vary much as re- 

 gards their choice of habitations. Amphibious snakes 

 must be sought for in the neighbourhood of water, 

 especially near old tanks and dirty pqnds. The keutia 

 and the Chandrabora affect low-lying paddy and 

 grass fields ; and the Gakhura dry places in the 

 neighbourhood of human habitations, finding ready- 

 made and convenient shelter in the old galleries formed 

 by white ants and rats. When a snake takes up its 

 quarters at a certain spot, it is difficult to eject the 

 unwelcome intruder without killing jt. The laodagt* 



