Fig. 17.—Catching a Cobra-di-Capello (Naja tripudians), First Stage. (At the French Settlement of Pondicherry, in India.)
In this way, at my laboratory, I have been able to preserve, in perfect condition for more than two years, Indian Cobras and Fers-de-lance from Martinique, taking care to keep them in a hothouse, at a temperature of about 82° to 86° F.
It is also very important to place inside the cases a vessel full of water, which should be frequently changed, for almost all snakes drink often and like to bathe for whole days at a time.
Fig. 18.—Catching a Cobra-di-Capello (Naja tripudians), Second Stage. (At the French Settlement of Pondicherry, in India.)
Within their reach should be placed in addition branches and rockwork, against which they rub at the moulting times, in order periodically to rid themselves of their scarf-skin.
While moulting, snakes must neither be touched nor fed, since to force them to take food at such a time would be fatal.
Snake-catching.—The capture of poisonous snakes, in order to keep them alive, can only be performed without danger by skilful persons, who are possessed of much coolness.
The best way of securing them is suddenly to pin the neck to the ground by means of a stick held horizontally, or a small two-pronged fork of wood or metal ([fig. 17]).
The stick is rolled along until close to the occiput ([fig. 18]). The animal can then be seized with the hand immediately behind the head, in such a way that it is impossible for it to turn and bite. It is then put into a wire cage, provided with a small movable trapdoor, with the fastening on the outside.