KILLED BY A BLACK MAMBA. 205 
fact must frequently have been observed by the Zulu, who has 
mistaken the semblance of size for the bodily reality. This is 
sufficient to account for the ex- 
aggeration they betray when 
recounting their experiences of 
these reptiles.” 
Mr. Jones’ explanation seems 
to explain satisfactorily the 
origin of the belief in Crested 
Mambas. 
I have killed and been present 
at the killing of many, but have 
not been fortunate enough to 
witness the phenomenon de- 
i Lr. Ss. reve Fic. 83.—Skull and poison apparatus of 
scribed by Mr Jone Howey — a green variety of Mamba (Dendraspis 
I noticed that one which I kept angusticeps). The Mamba has a dupli- 
: AA Sa cate pair of fangs. Poison gland is 
in captivity, when irritated, seen behind the eye. It is connected 
< with the base of the fang by a tube or 
assumed this flattened appear- duct. 
ance to a certain degree. 
The Boomslang has a somewhat similar habit. When 
unusually excited, it dilates its throat considerably, giving the 
head a weird and uncanny appearance. In the Addenda at the 
end of the book, photos recently taken show this wonderful 
phenomenon. 
KILLED BY A BLACK MAMBA. 
Some of the favourite resting places of Mambas are the 
branches of thick-foliaged trees. Entwining themselves amongst 
the twigs they lie perfectly still. They frequently select branches 
of trees overhanging the Kafir paths which wind through the 
forests in various directions. These Kafir paths are made by the 
natives, who always walk single file. They are merely tracks 
worn by the feet of the natives. Many a native has met his 
death by being bitten on the head, neck, or shoulders whilst 
passing under a branch in the foliage on which one of these 
venomous snakes lay concealed. 
One day, when out buck-hunting, I was leisurely riding along 
a Kafir path in the outskirts of a forest, when suddenly a black 
streak shot out from a clump of stunted bush a few yards ahead, 
and next instant I saw it was a great Black Mamba, and that it 
had buried its fangs up to the hilt in a burly Zulu’s bare shoulder. 
