The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-03-29

Snakes are not big eaters. That IS TO
say. they do not eat frequently, Out
when they get good ard ready they
can do the subject of food ample JUS
tice. AT least. the big boa constructor
in the Zoo showed his capabilities Sat
urday when, after a fast OF his own
choosing for three or four months, he
concluded to eat a mite. just TO Keep
him in good condition for the summer
season. when he win take the o with
the Robinson shows, for this great
snake, in all about twenty-five rect
long without stretching himself, Is the
property of the Robinsons. They have
been caring for him at the Zoo some
time, the only item OF rent being MS
keep, and that, as you VIII see. is not
much, as he has had but two square.
or rather round, meals in six or eight
months.
AT different times they have tempted
him, but ne turned from food even
when offered in a live shape, and said
in snake talk, NO. thank you But
people who have fooled with snakes
know that they will come TO their APP
petites If ycL only let them alone. On
Saturday last, Sol. Stephen tried this
snake with some water in a big pan. On
dabbled in it a little and then drank
the whole allowance. Maybe. II he was
so thirsty, he would also eat, AM the
experiment was made.
In anticipation of the feast two pup
Ply dogs had been provided. Weighing
about twelve of fifteen pounds each.
They were not high bred dogs. jusr
plain dog and spaniel mixed, for tlere
is NJ necessity for feeding a snake
thor oughbred dogs. When his lengthy
majesty is hungry he will eat almost
1x.. - 20 ~ - n.tF Dr z
o'clock in the afternoon n Of tile pups
was put in the cage. Now, there was
no strugge, nor any frantic efforts on
the part of the dog to escape. He hud-
ded to himself in a timid and backward
way as IL the game wasn't to his liking.
But the boa felt differently. He reach
ed out in a minute or two and emfbrac-
ed the pup. Then he took an extra
wrap or two, until there was nothing
to be seen but a trace of a dog tangled
up in the folds of the hugh boa cont
strictor. There was a squeal from the
pup, but 1t was not ~protracted. Then
there YVES the c~runching of bones. and
the act of killing was all over. though
there was no break in the programme
of the victor. He opened his cavern of
a. mouth, and the remains of the pup
went to another cavern properly pre-
pared for him.
about this time Mr.. Snake coiled
himself up as if for a long winters
nap, 'but his keepers concluded, while
he" was in the mood, to give him
enough to last him for a few months
anyhow. So at z O'Clock. or t~hereabout.
another u was put in the cage and
watched. 1T was evident thai the boa
would. go on with his meal, for he was
now interested in the proceedings.
Within a half hour he reached. IL a
snake a reach, and gathered puppy
dog No. to the folds, and i'm the same
way as.in the case of No. 1 the life was
crushed out of the second victim. And
In the same way, and over the same
route. the second puppy went to a
cavern, but not TO the same one. The
first a o further along in h
snakes peculiar anatomy, leaving
plenty Of room for the second install
ment. Yesterday there were two big
protuberances in plain evidence, showing
the exact status Of the pups, and they
Will be there for a few days yet.