60 



very small slit at the point, and generally a lit- 

 tle crooked. 



SERPENTS may be caught with a wire noose, 

 fixed to the end of a pole, by passing it over 

 their heads ; and, with a pair of forceps, a 

 bit of pointed wood may be introduced into 

 their mouths, to extend their jaws, in order to 

 examine them. They are easily killed, by a 

 slight blow on the head. 



THE best method of taking off the skin, is, 

 to make a long incision from the vent, above 

 and below, or even up to the head. The skin 

 may then be separated, by introducing the fin- 

 gers betwixt it arid the body ; or, if the scales 

 are minute, the reptile may be skinned in the 

 same manner that is commonly practised with 

 eels. The body must be cut off from the head, 

 and the brains, together with the eyes, and 



