AGE OF SNAKES 175 



to produce the almost glassy smoothness of some 

 specimens when it is considered how sluggish and 

 inactive these creatures are. 



Many snakes, received when fully adult, have 

 been in the writer's possession for eight and ten 

 years, and show no signs of age. Full-grown py- 

 thons have been in captivity for fifteen years and 

 more, and finally succumbed to diseases unknown to 

 reptiles existing in their natural conditions. It is 

 difficult to determine the average lifetime of snakes, 

 as previous observations of these reptiles have been 

 80 meager ; but their age may be said to be consider- 

 ably shorter than chelonians and crocodilians, as their 

 growth is much more rapid. 



In this connection, the writer takes some pride in 

 describing the growth of a particularly interesting 

 specimen. During the latter part of August a large 

 diamond-back rattlesnake gave birth to nine little 

 ones. On tl^e day after their appearance in the 

 world the little snakes were discovered busily engaged 

 in shedding their skins. The operation is performed 

 by aU young snakes within forty-eight hours after 

 their birth. None begins feeding until after it has 

 beei;i accomplished. 



Of this brood of tiny rattlers, one soon became a 

 favorite, owing to its especially pretty coloration. It 

 was this specimen which furnished the writer with 

 the notes which follow. At birth it measured eleven 

 inches ; like all favorites, it was provided with a name, 

 and the name was "Rattles." Some three months 

 after birth Rattles' eyes grew pearly and he prepared 



