102 THE: SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
HARMLESS SNAKES. 
It is unnecessary to notice in detail each of the Solid-toothed 
Snakes, the names of which are given above. They are, one 
and all, perfectly non-venomous, possessing no vestiges of poison 
glands, and their teeth show no signs of grooving. 
It is very desirable that the general public should become 
acquainted with the different species of snakes in order that the 
present indiscriminate slaughter of these innocent and exceed- 
ingly useful reptiles should be checked. Through lack of know- 
ledge of the habits and ways of these creatures of the earth, a bitter 
warfare has been waged against them, and great numbers of 
species of exceedingly useful reptiles have been, and are being, 
exterminated. 
THE EGG-EATING SNAKES. 
SUB-FAMILY II. RACHIODONTINZ. 
THE EGG-EATING SNAKE OR EIER VRETER. 
(Dasypeltis scabra.) 
The Egg-eating Snake is truly a remarkable creature, and 
serves to bring forcibly home to us the wonderful and awe- 
inspiring workings of Nature. In the study of Nature we see 
the operation of a mighty All-Wise Intelligence. It reveals to us 
the fact that there are great and mighty forces at work which we 
call Laws, and through the operation of these great forces or 
Laws, the Creator works. The student of Nature sees the results 
of the operation of this mighty Power or Intelligence in everything. 
In the Egg-eating Snake we have a living example of how Nature 
takes away that which is no longer required, or which through 
neglect or indolence is not used. We also see how wonderfully 
she provides for the altered habits and environment of the 
creatures of the Earth. YH 
The only species which represents this sub-family of Colubrine 
snakes is the Egg-eating Snake of Africa. It is different from all 
other snakes in having only five very rudimentary teeth in the 
upper jaw, and four in the lower jaw, situated about the centre 
part of the mouth. In fact, practically speaking, its jaws are 
