The Chameleon of the Old World, (_Chamaeleo vulgaris_), because of its color phases and its remarkable form, is truly a great “curiosity”; but it should not be confused with our so-called American Chameleon, which belongs to another Family, and is also less interesting. THE SERPENTS. The Order of Serpents, (_Ophidia_).—The large glazed cases along the northern side of the main hall of the Reptile House are devoted to the larger serpents, while the smaller species are provided for along the south wall, and in the adjoining room. One serious difficulty in the management of a collection of living serpents lies in the fact that often the most valuable specimens are so nervous and shy in their feeding habits it is impossible to cage several together. Out of the many species of serpents exhibited in the Reptile House, ten are chosen as fairly representing the principal groups. The Regal Python, (_Python reticulatus_), here represented by a fine specimen, 22 feet in length, weighing 170 pounds, is the best representative of the rock pythons of Asia and Africa. The island of Borneo is its center of distribution. None of the constrictors is venomous, but their crushing power is almost beyond belief. The Rock Python, (_Python sebae_), of Africa, is a light-colored species with a very small head, and is frequently seen in the hands and around the necks of snake-charmers. The Anaconda, (_Eunectes murinus_), is one of the largest constrictors of tropical America, and is noted for its aquatic habits. It is a handsome serpent, being of a rich green color, marked with large black spots. The Black Snake, (_Bascanium constrictor_), a common species in the eastern United States, is probably the highest type of the harmless snakes. It is a serpent of great vigor and activity in running, climbing, and swimming; it possesses great courage, and seeks prey of many kinds in all kinds of situations. [Illustration: RHINOCEROS VIPER.] The Garter Snake, (_Eutaenia sirtalis_), is more frequently seen in the eastern United States than any other serpent. Although the warfare waged against it is perpetual, regardless of the fact that it is as harmless as a fly, its numbers do not sensibly diminish. The Hog-Nosed Snake, “Puff Adder,” or “Sand-Viper,” (_Heterodon platyrhinus_), represents a large and important Family, and, despite its dangerous appearance and terrifying names, it is quite harmless. It represents one of Nature’s methods for protecting harmless and inactive creatures, by making them resemble others which are dangerous. Venomous Reptiles.—Because of the number of species of rattlesnakes which have found lodgment in the United States, and the trouble they have caused in a few localities, we are specially interested in all serpents which are dangerous to man. The species named below represents the deadly genera which civilized man has most cause to fear.