REPTILES 293 



insects, worms.^mice, young sparrows, frogs and even small 

 snakes must be arranged for. Some individuals are very 

 obstinate, and never can be induced to take anything, while 

 others feed without the slightest hesitation. Fortunately, 

 all reptiles are able to endure long periods of fasting with- 

 out apparent harm, and particularly obdurate specimens, 

 unless especially valuable, can be liberated after a period of 

 confinement. 



The smaller species should be fed about once each week, 

 but a meal every ten days is sufficient for the needs of the 

 great constrictors. The larger individuals often go for 

 several weeks without food. 



Snakes, like other reptiles, are what are known as cold- 

 blooded animals, not having the faculty of adapting their 

 body temperature to that of the surrounding element, but 

 being governed directly by it. It is necessary, therefore, 

 during cold weather, to keep the enclosures of such creatures 

 suitably warm, if they are to remain active. 



Collecting snakes is a sport which offers few obstacles 

 and much excitement. A search along old fences, stone 

 piles and heaps of brush, in suitable locations, will lead 

 to many captures. The smaller, harmless species are 

 easily taken in the hands. Most of these little fellows sel- 

 dom bite, and when they do are able to inflict but a mere 

 scratch. Larger individuals should be captured with a 

 crooked stick, placed just behind the head. Large black 

 and water snakes are really serious antagonists, able to 

 make a strong resistance, and their capture should not be 

 undertaken lightly. 



The writer well remembers an experience in British 

 Guiana with a large Yellow-tailed Snake {Herpetodryas 

 carinatus), an active species, similar to the Black Snake 

 in appearance and habit. This particular individual was 

 crossing a railroad track which threaded its way through 



