Photographing Reptiles, etc. 235 



mer of 1901 I went out better prepared than before 

 to watch them and get photographs ; but before 

 I had fairly started I had the misfortune to be bit- 

 ten by one. This cut short my studies and nearly 

 ended them altogether, as I was far from help 

 except a boy who was with me. But it has added 

 to my interest, and I expect to go again next sum- 

 mer with a camera better suited to that class of 

 work." 



Had Mr. Backus on his first trip been supplied 

 with the proper outfit for doing this work, he 

 would have found less trouble and obtained better 

 results. It is this kind of experience that proves 

 to be the best teacher. 



Snakes, especially the harmless ones, are easily 

 tamed, and I have often in an hour or two gotten 

 one of them so well acquainted with me that he 

 would stay quietly in almost any position in which 

 I placed him. 



Quick motion always scares a snake much 

 more than any amount of handling or loud noise. 

 A rattlesnake is a gentleman and will allow of a 

 close approach if one but shows entire fearlessness 

 and moves slowly and gently, but a quick jump 

 or any sudden movement will cause him to strike 

 instantly. In this fact lies most of the secret of 

 success in working with snakes, and would we but 

 bear it in mind we would find them far from the 

 deep-dyed villains they are painted. 



