290 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



end had been gliding towards me, and had passed out of the box 

 in the space between my breast and the wire ; I seized him, how- 

 ever, before he struck, and speedily replaced him. 



Cages which contain no fixed tank should be supplied with a 

 water-vessel of a size proportionate to that of the snakes, accord- 

 ing to the rules already given (pp. 18 — 24). This vessel ought to 

 rest upon the floor, not on the gravel, for the reptiles will never 

 cease in their efforts to burrow underneath it if it lies on the 

 surface, and in the end will most likely capsize it. The gravel 

 must be cleared entirely from the space which it is to occupy, for 

 the tiniest pebble underneath will render the pan unsteady and 

 liable to breakage ; when it is in position the gravel must close up 

 again around its sides. But since the water has to be changed 

 and the pan washed every da)', this process of sweeping back the 

 gravel every time would be one of no small tediousness and 

 difficulty with the serpents moving about ; and I find it con- 

 venient to use two receptacles, one fitting as accurately as 

 possible within the other — two of precisely the same size and 

 shape will do, provided they are broader at the top than at any 

 other part and are not too thick. The inner one can be removed 

 at any time and returned without trouble, the cavity of the outer 

 being dried with a sponge in situ, if need be. Where it can be 

 arranged, glass vessels should always be used, that the snakes 

 may see the water and their mode of swimming and drinking be 

 observed; two gold-fish globes of suitable size, cut at the level 

 of their greatest diameter, are often appropriate, but care is 

 demanded that the bath be not deep enough to prevent the 

 smallest bather from getting out of it again when afloat ; for the 

 amount of water must be so regulated that no overflow shall take 

 place, even if all the snakes are submerged, and will therefore 

 commonly be far below the brim. Do not place the vessel under- 

 neath the tree, if it can be put anywhere else ; see that the edges 

 are not chipped ; and never attempt to keep frogs, newts or fish 

 in it, whether intended for food or not. If it be made of opaque 

 materials the gravel should be heaped up around it, or a wooden 

 surrounding contrived so as to reverse the natural overhanging 

 slope of the sides, otherwise little specimens will not find the 

 water readily, and are prone, moreover, to hide underneath the 

 margin. Soft water is to be preferred to hard, when it can be 

 obtained ; unfiltered stream or clear pond water would probably 



