The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1883-08-31

warmth. The necessary temperature is
now perfectly provided for; the steam
pipes are carried under TIC cages at a
distance of about four feet below them /;
the bottoms of the cages are formed of
slate slabs, and the hot air circulates in
the interval and thoroughly heating the
slate floors, warns the whole interior of
cages to the degree desirable, generally
about 20 degrees to 80 degrees Fahren-
helt, the temperatureb being occasionally
elevated to 80 degrees when the snakes
accelerates their voracity, and cold on
the contrary, renders them torpid and
indisposed for food.
Later on, the huge anaconda was
brought into another cage and got out
of its sack with some difficulty. 1t was
| partially shot out of the sack tail FORE
most, and instantly commenced to work
Its way back again with tenacious persis-
tency. At last, however, it was got out,
when it retired to the opposite end of
its cage, and putting its head up against
| the outside of the water tank, remained
absolutely motionless. The most excl
ting incident in the days work was the
transfer of the great American alligator,
particularly savage beast, at least 8
| feet in length. Its destination was the
large central tank of the new house.
where two other smaller alligators were
already basking in the warm water,
with noses and eyes just above the fluid
surface. Having secured his long, vici-
GUS jaws with broad bands Of stout web
bling, he was captured i'll the canvas bag
which was not an easy operation, but to
get the ,bandage on his mouth was the
most ticklish business OF all. The first
was simply to lift him and drag him out.
No sooner was this done than the beast
twisted itself over on its back with a
suddenness and power completely start
ling. The mouth bands holding on,
however, the animal was lifted
bodily by half dozen men and put
head foremost into the water, in
which ne splashed with vigor. The
mouth bands were then cut With knife,
and the monster, damaged only by few
scales knocked off and sore nose,
quietly settled to the bottom of the pool
and gave on more anxiety to any one.
and water tortoises were next put, aud
then variety of snakes, some harmless
and some venomous, we're introduced
into other cages.
The final operation was the transfer
ence Of the two North American water
vipers, very dangerous creatures, the
bite of which is said to be fatal. Each
had been captured in a wooden box,
and, so far, were well secured. They
had been driven by sticks from their
former den by the side door into the
boxes easily enough, but not 80 easy was
it to get them out Of the boxes again.
| This, however, was very cleverly accom-
! pllshed. Thompson entered the cage,
and received the closed boxes from his
companion outside. He placed them
carefully over the water pool in the cage,
and then retired by the rear door,
through which he leaned over, opened
the sliding lid of one box about six or
seven inches, took the box up by the
end, turned it over, and shot the snake
out we'll to the front. Opening the sec
ond box in similar manner, he hooked
the snake out by a forked wire, and
! then removed the box, closed the rear
| door, and all was successfully accom-
plished.
independently ofthe fine wall ca es
OF which the barge snakes are the occu-
| pants. there are numerous movable
cases in front of the Widowed side OF
the new building in which the smaller
snakes and lizards will be housed. In
one Of these are two small novel lizards.
with remarkable spiney skins, from
Africa; they appear to be very sprightly
Intelligent beings, passing most OF their
time in watching the flies which buzz
about the outside of their cages.
The interior of the reptile court is rem
dered pleasant by flowers and foliage
plants. and will undoubtedly be popu-
lar promenade. 1t will be opened to the
public on Saturday, at noon, and the
bank holiday folks have a great treat
| before them on Monday.