SNAKES 219 



of weakness and great emaciation. So finally, 

 with the aid of several keepers, Mr. Ditmars 

 covered the snake with blankets, caught hold 

 of her firmly by the neck and carried her to 

 other quarters. When the cone of eggs came 

 to be inspected there were found to be seventy- 

 nine, each about the size of a hen's egg. 



On examination it was found that Fatima 's 

 skin, which she should have shed naturally, 

 had dried and hardened and it was feared she 

 would die, so steam was turned into her cage 

 for a time and then hours of steady and risky 

 work began by "peeling" the python. When 

 this was finished, however, Fatima was more 

 beautiful than ever. 



But she would not eat, and the next fear 

 was that she would starve herself to death as 

 so many snakes in captivity do unless forced 

 to eat. So Mr. Ditmars decided to take bold 

 measures and feed her by force. Seven rab- 

 bits were killed and tied together with twine. 

 As soon as the cage door was opened and 

 Fatima raised her head, a stream of water was 

 directed into her face from a hose. At the 



