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COMMON FROG SWALLOWING A CHICKEN (DEAD). 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT 

 OF REPTILES. 



WITH NOTES ON FEEDING REPTILES IN CAPTIVITY. 



By RAYMOND L. DITMARS. 



CURATOR OF REPTILES. 



AT 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 



