METHOD OF ATTACK 325 



by breaking the bones, fashioned it into a convenient mass, and 

 rendered its passage more easy by lubricating it with its saliva. 

 Slowly the huge lump disappears behind the jaws, descends 

 lower and lower beneath the scales which seem ready to burst 

 asunder with distension, and then the satisfied monster coils him- 

 self up once more to digest his meal in quiet. The time required 

 for this purpose varies of course according to the size of the 

 morsel ; but often weeks or even months will pass before a 

 boa awakens from the lethargic repose in which — the image 

 of disgusting gluttony — he lies plunged after a superabundant 

 meal. 



A huge python in the Zoological Grardens fasted the almost 

 incredible time of twenty -two months, having probably prepared 

 himself for his abstinence by a splendid gorge ; and Dumeril 

 mentions a rattlesnake in the Jardin des Plantes. which like- 

 wise took no nourishment during twenty-one months, but then, 

 as if to make up for lost time, swallowed three hares within 

 five days. 



The reptiles in the Zoological Gardens are offered food once 

 a week, but even then their appetites are frequently not yet 

 awakened, though great care is taken never to spoil their 

 stomachs by excess. 



This is the time for visiting the Reptile House, which other- 

 wise offers but little amusement, as the great snakes have either 

 retired from public life under their blankets, or lie coiled upon 

 the branches of the trees in their dens. Three o'clock is the 

 feeding-time, and the reptiles which are on the look-out, seem 

 to know full well the errand of the man who enters with the 

 basket, against the side of which they hear the fluttering wings 

 of the feathered victims, and the short stamp of the doomed 

 rabbits. The keeper opens the door at the back of the den of 

 the huge pythons, for these he need not fear, takes off their 

 blanket, and drops a rabbit, who hops from side to side, curious 

 to inspect his new habitation, and probably finding it to his 

 taste, sits on his haunches and leisurely begins to wash his 

 face. Silently the python glides over the stones, uncurling his 

 huge folds, looks for an instant upon his unconscious victim, 

 and the next has seized him with his jaws. His contracting 

 folds are twisted as swiftly as a whiplash round his shrieking 

 prey, and for ten minutes the serpent lies still, maintaining his 



