237 
REPTILES AS PETS.* 
1<E1»TILES and batrachians are not usually very favourite objects of study 
among amateur naturalists. Notwithstanding the bright colours of many of the 
species, their cold slimy skins and the dangerous properties of some of them 
serve to render the whole of these extensive classes of animals repulsive to many 
persons ; and these avoid frogs and snakes in the same way that most persons would 
avoid all fungi, except mushrooms, indiscriminately. Vet many naturalists have 
a fondness for keeping such creatures in captivity, and in obserx'ing their habits ; 
and among these is the author of the pretty little book before us, for he recom- 
mends keeping frogs and snakes in a fernery in the drawing-room, and has no 
objection to larger fry, such as boas and alligators. 
Mr. Bateman gives us full instructions for procuring and keeping a great 
variety of creatures of the kind, and many species are illustrated. Poisonous 
snakes he avoids, and he does not recommend keeping even the common 
viper in captivity. But he gives us a great deal of very useful information on 
the best way of keeping non-venomous species from different countries, from boas 
and alligators to frogs and toads. Among them will be found some of the most 
curious species know'n, such as the Tuatera lizard of New Zealand, with its median 
eye — a structure which has become obsolete in .almost all other existing vertebrates. 
The appearance and characters of the snakes and lizards noticed are fully 
described, and much space is also devoted to their habits, especially in the case 
of the common species. Thus, no less than fourteen jiages relate to the ringed 
snake, including however an incidental notice of the viper. 
Various popular errors are corrected, such as the notion that snakes sting with 
their tongues (an idea which still seems widely prevalent with many people) ; and 
that it is only the edible frog which is eaten on the Continent. With respect to 
the latter point, our author quotes Mr. Boulenger as saying that “ The frogs sold 
in the markets of Paris, Brussels and Geneva are almost invariably Rana 
temporaria, which are commoner, and more easily caught.” 
We will quote a portion of Mr. Bateman’s observations on the edible frog, to 
illustrate the general style of his work : — “ The edible frogs in their native 
country inhabit rivers, lakes, ponds, running streams, marshes, and even small 
pools of water. They are not only most active animals, but also exceedingly 
timid and wary. He who has been attracted to the water’s edge by the sound of 
their strange voices, will be surprised, if he is ignorant of the habits of these 
creatures, to see on his arrival there little or no signs of batrachian life, for on 
the very suspicion of danger they will have dived into the water, not to reappear 
until all signs of an enemy have gone. The wise observer, how’ever, will conceal 
himself, and remain perfectly still for a fairly long time, and he will be rewarded 
for his patience and caution by seeing these beautiful batrachians gradually one 
by one emerge from their hiding places. Then, if he wishes to make any capture, 
he must summon all his activity and adroitness.” 
We congratulate Mr. Bateman on having produced a book which contains a 
considerable amount of general information not easily accessible elsewhere. His 
book may be recommended as a very useful introduction to the study of harmless 
reptiles and batrachians, and may serve as an introduction to larger and more 
technical works. It will, we hope, be read, not only by those who intend to 
keep these animals in confinement, but by others who are interested in the subject, 
without having time or inclination to follow it out in this practical manner. The 
former class, however, will be glad that Mr. Bateman usually mentions the prices 
at which the various species which he recommends for keeping in captivity can 
generally be obtained. 
The book is provided with a good index, but suffers from almost as great 
a deficiency as the absence of this would have been, in wanting a table of contents, 
which would greatly facilitate reference. 
W. F. K. 
* The Vivarium, being a practical guide to the Construction, Arrangement, 
and MaiUtgement of Vivaria, containing full Information as to all Reptiles suitable 
as Pets, by the Rev. Gregory C. Bateman. London ; Upcott Gill, 8vo, pp. 424. 
Price 7s. 6d. 
