150 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
be tipped with bluish white, which has a very beautiful appear- 
ance. These spots are, however, not always present. 
The favourite food of the Boomslang consists of chameleons, 
birds and their fallow young, andeggs. The latter are swallowed 
whole, the powerful gastric juices of the snake dissolving the 
shell. 
My captive Boomslangs often swallowed pigeons’ eggs, which 
remained in their stomachs intact, sometimes for twelve to 
twenty-four hours. In one instance a snake swallowed two 
pigeons’ eggs, which remained unbroken in its stomach for 
three weeks. The reptile, being in poor condition at the 
time, its gastric fluid was evidently too weak to dissolve the 
shell. When the eggs were removed after the death of the snake, 
I noticed the shell had been somewhat roughened by the action 
of the acid fluids of the snake’s stomach. 
Chameleons, other tree lizards, caterpillars, and various 
larve are sought after and eaten by Boomslangs. So closely 
does the colour of these reptiles’ skins blend with the foliage, that 
I have known birds to hop upon their bodies, mistaking them for 
branches. These snakes can imitate the branches of a tree to 
perfection. The body is contorted and twisted amongst the 
leaves, and is perfectly rigid. For hours a Boomslang will lie 
amongst the leaves and twigs, its large unwinking eyes keenly 
on the alert. If an unwary bird should approach within striking 
distance, the forepart of the snake’s body is shot out as swiftly 
as a stone from a catapult, and next instant the bird, struggling, 
is in its jaws. Ina minute or two the victim ceases to move, 
for the deadly venom has paralysed its nerve centres. Then the 
snake assumes a comfortable position, and swallows its prey. 
When a Boomslang is seen by birds in the vicinity of their 
nests, they become intensely alarmed and excited, flying rapidly 
to and fro, hopping from twig to twig, fluttering their wings 
and making various other excited demonstrations. Hearing the 
noise, other birds come along and join in the effort to scare away 
the intruder. The snake is in no way alarmed. It remains 
as still as a statue, its head drawn back and its body at an angle 
suitable for a rapid and long forward thrust. Presently one 
of the birds, in wild excitement, approaches within striking 
distance. Instantly, with unerring aim, its body is launched 
forth and a bird loses its life. 
