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 line 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 Hkes 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, w'hile 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 lier from the cage, 



