A FARMER’S EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. 209 
movements. Our large dongas are matted in places with a 
dense network of bramble-like growths, which extend search- 
ingly in long, sinuous branches, which are studded with 
formidable thorns, curved like the claws of a cat. Whatever 
road he elects to take, whether on the top or along and 
through this cruel maze of brake, it is the same to this graceful 
creature. To see a startled Mamba making for his home along 
the crown of one of these thickets is a marvel of perfected 
movement. The small head, with its full prominent eyes, the 
long body, partially raised and sweeping from side to side with a 
forward throw, so swift and sudden as to bewilder one into 
believing that the creature is bounding along with ten-feet gaps 
between the curves. And as the tail disappears into the dark 
cavity edging the donga, there follows immediate stillness and 
peace. But, on the first sunny day, some person steals along with 
a gun charged with No. 6 shot, and midway in the passage home 
this time there is a sharp decisive pause. Weare using smokeless 
powder, and, without taking the eye off the line of the barrels, 
the lightning turn of the head can be followed as it darts viciously 
back at the gaping wound halfway down the body. Realizing 
its impotence, it strikes hither and thither at leaf or branch. 
In a few moments we see the jaws opening widely, the writhe of 
the contorted body showing the clean white belly, and we know 
that the end of so much beauty and menace has come.” 
A FARMER’S EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. 
Mr. T. Braithwaite, senr., had (says the Natal Witness) a 
most remarkable experience at his farm “‘ Gracelands,”’ in Muden, 
on Wednesday last. To have a snake up the leg of one’s trousers 
is a most unenviable experience, and to stand perfectly calm and 
still while it remained in such close proximity was an act of 
amazing presence of mind. The story is best related in Mr. 
Braithwaite’s own words :— 
“T sent two natives to clear an irrigation furrow with sickles. 
They returned after the lapse of about one hour, and informed me 
that they were afraid to continue working there, as they had seen 
a large green Mamba in the vicinity. I took my D.B. and went 
back with them. 
““ We searched some time without success, the grass and other 
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