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CHAPTER XIX 

 REPTILES 



Snakes occasion, in the average adult person, a feeling of 



' deep revulsion. That this often is largely a matter of train- 



IBing, and not the deep-seated instinct it is commonly sup- 



' posed to be, is shown by the fact that the small boy, 



unspoiled by the example of his elders, finds the same 



creature a thing to be admired and coveted. And why not ? 



IfcThe harmless snakes make admirable pets, soon becoming 



tame and even almost affectionate, and much that is of 



interest may be gleaned from observation of the habits of 



captive specimens. They are clean and, if properly kept, 



practically odorless. In point of beauty, there is nothing to 



excel the brilliancy of a healthy snake which has recently 



shed its skin, the iridescent coloring in some species being 



quite remarkable. 



The great group of lizards contains a wide variety of 

 forms which make interesting pets, including the much 

 abused Chameleon. That baby alligators are kept in sur- 

 prising numbers is evidenced by the quantities of these little 

 creatures, in various states of disrepair, which are presented 

 each year to the New York Zoological Park and the 

 Aquarium. In the light of this fact, it is unfortunate that 

 knowledge of their proper treatment is not more general. 

 Turtles make, perhaps, the most satisfactory captives of the 

 entire group of Reptilia, since their wants are few and 

 easily satisfied, and their care makes small demand on the 

 time and ingenuity of their owner. 



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