304 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



sloughing occupied one hour. (Cast whole, with many rents 

 in it.) 



" 7. On Oct. 12th, 1899, Python entered water, and stayed 

 till Oct. 26th, when it left water, and cast slough in several 

 pieces. 



*' 8. On Dec. 30th, 1899, Python entered water, and on Jan. 

 1st, 1900, cast slough in water in many small pieces. 



" 9. On March 24th, 1900, Python showed signs of sickening 

 for sloughing, but refused to enter water. It tried to slough on 

 April 2nd, but could only get off the scales on the belly. I 

 accordingly fastened the Snake in the bath, where the rest of the 

 slough came away on April 5th. 



" 10. On May 21st, 1900, Python entered water, staying till 

 May 28th, when it left water, and cast slough in three large 

 pieces. 



"11. On Aug. 23rd, 1900, Python entered bath, stayed till 

 Aug. 31st, when slough was cast in two pieces in the water. 



" 12. On Nov. 15th, 1900, Python entered water, stayed 

 until Nov. 25th, casting slough in water in four pieces. The 

 Python now measures just under 8|- ft. in length." 



The foregoing admirably careful observations by Mr. Clarke 

 show that his Python sloughed twelve times in three years, 

 usually casting the slough in pieces, though in good condition. 

 The term " sickening for sloughing" means the symptoms seen a 

 few days beforehand, viz. roughness and darkening of the skin, 

 refusal to take food, disinclination to move, and dimness of 

 the eyes. 



