EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT. 155 



itor, nearly six feet in length, was easily carried out as it clung to 

 Keeper Snyder's body in a position to suggest a good-natured 

 embrace. Following the big fellow came three monitors about 

 four feet long, which clung to the men's coats by their long claws. 

 All these specimens had become exceedingly docile, and fed read- 

 ily from the hand. It is interesting to note the change that oc- 

 curred within twenty-four hours' time. 



On the day that followed the placing of the monitors in the 

 outside air, Keeper Snyder went into their enclosure to feed 

 them. He was startled to hear a sharp hiss from his big pet of 

 many months, the Ceylonese monitor, and to behold that power- 

 ful reptile puff himself up in angry fashion, and make a quick 

 sweep with his tail. The powerful caudal extremity of the liz- 

 ard struck the pan of eggs carried by Mr. Snyder and sent the 

 contents flying in various directions. On looking at the other 

 monitors, the keeper was amazed to see nothing but hostile glances 

 as they backed away in surly fashion. 



Returning later in the day to ascertain if the food had been 

 consumed, Mr. Snyder was attacked by the big monitor, which 

 came at him with open mouth. When only a few feet distant the 

 reptile threw its body sidewise, and with an amazingly quick 

 blow of its tail struck him on the arm, inflicting a long and se- 

 vere contusion. This hostile action was accompanied by vigor- 

 ous hissing from the other monitors. 



So long as they remained outdoors these lizards continued 

 to be wild and savage, and when brought into the Reptile House 

 on the approach of the cool autumn nights, were very decidedly 

 vicious. Gradually, however, they lost their wild demeanor and 

 finally became as docile as ever. This instance of the monitors 

 is by no means the only case noted by the writer wherein tracta- 

 ble captive specimens reasserted their wild nature with a rush 

 when placed under the influence of outside air, sunshine and nat- 

 ural surroundings. He has noted the same disposition on the 

 part of crocodilians and snakes, particularly poisonous species of 

 the latter. 



The most interesting demonstration of this mental change has 

 been in connection with specimens of the venomous Gila Monster. 

 In their cages, these lizards are the personification of good- 

 nature, permitting themselves to be handled in the most uncere- 

 monious manner, without the least show of bad temper. Re- 

 moved to a sand-pile heated to a high temperature under a 

 bright sun, and left for a few moments, they become different 

 creatures. They will snap viciously from side to side, and resent 

 the least intimation of interference with sharp hisses as they lie 



