64 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



that its dimensions must not be less in proportion to the largest 

 occupant than those stated before, and that a similar restriction 

 with regard to the number of inmates is to be observed ; but 

 there is a further consideration to be taken into account in the 

 fact that a large cage will require a larger supply of boiling 

 water at one time, but will require to be replenished less 

 frequently than a small one — a point of no small importance 

 sometimes in the domestic economy of a household. Having 

 mentioned this, to obviate the idea that I am recommending 

 any fixed measurements for adoption, and premising that any 

 detail is subject, to meet the exigencies or expediencies of the 

 situation, to the same variation as the size of the whole, I may 

 perhaps doscribe one now before me as a type : — Length, 3 feet 

 6 inches ; breadth, 2 feet 8 inches ; height of actual interior, 

 from gravel to cover, 2 feet 4 inches. This case is constructed 

 entirely of glass and metal. The two ends consist of single 

 panes, but the front and back, or long sides, are divided each 

 into two panes, as the glass is ordinary thin window material ; 

 single sheets of plate glass might be used. The edges or frame- 

 work, being of metal, are mere narrow bindings, but are at the 

 same time as strong as stout wooden pillars would be ; one end 

 is removeable, sliding upwards in two vertical grooves, for con- 

 venience in cleaning the floor of the cage. Each of these four 

 glass sides is bound with a thin ribbon of zinc along its upper 

 margin. The top is composed of a sheet of perforated zinc, 

 fitted upon a quadrangular' frame; this is hinged at the back 

 with six attachments (the two long sides are precisely alike, but, 

 for perspicacity of description, I style the one nearer to me and 

 to the centre of the room the front, and the other, against the 

 window, the back), but is so contrived that the frame — about 

 three-quarters of an inch in depth — laps or jits down over the 

 front and ends, when the cover is closed, like the lid of a tin 

 biscuit-box. It is secured with a staple and split-ring in front 

 (of which arrangement more anon). The object of this over- 

 lapping ledge and the number of hinges at the back is to prevent 

 the snakes from pushing up the soft flexible perforated zinc 

 at any point, and scratching themselves in endeavouring to get 

 through. The sliding end is locked immoveably by the cover, 

 and would, indeed, under any circumstances, keep in position by 

 its own weight. 



