294 REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS 



dense jungle. I was especially anxious to secure him, as 

 he was an uncommonly fine specimen, and as there was no 

 time to make the usual preparations I incautiously laid 

 hold of his rapidly disappearing tail. In my mind, what 

 followed is a blur of rapid movement in a thick cloud of 

 dust, dominated by a lashing black body, which seemed to 

 possess the paradoxical power of occupying many places 

 at one time. When, after an exciting struggle, the snake 

 was dropped into a muslin bag, I found that he had bitten 

 my hands in several places, although in the heat of battle 

 I had not noticed it. 



Venomous species, or those difficult to secure for other 

 reasons, are captured by means of a slip noose at the end 

 of a stiff pole, a short fish-rod being excellent for the pur- 

 pose. The cord used should be strong, heavy fish-line, 

 thick enough to avoid cutting the captive. The noose 

 should be about six inches in diameter, well spread, and 

 attached to the pole by about a foot of line. This noose 

 is carefully worked over the head of the snake, and sud- 

 denly drawn tight, but without sufficient force to injure it. 

 The specimen, if particularly large or dangerous, may be 

 dropped, by simply cutting the rope from the pole, into the 

 open mouth of a bag held in readiness. Smaller individuals 

 may be secured by hand and placed in suitable receptacles, 

 after the noose has been removed. 



Many species of snakes are hardy in confinement, live 

 well and are interesting as captives. Certain forms possess 

 these qualities in greater degree than others, and these, as 

 far as possible, should.be chosen. However, it is seldom 

 that snake pets are sought deliberately, except by collectors, 

 and most captive specimens are secured by chance, with no 

 opportunity for selection. On the other hand, dealers 

 in live animals often have many desirable species on 

 hand. 



