THE ATRACTASPIS. VIPERS. 243 
THE BERG ADDER. 
(Bitis atropos.) 
The Berg Adder, as its name implies, is a snake which inhabits 
mountainous regions. 
This Mountain Adder inhabits the mountain ranges of the 
whole of South Africa. In these parts it is frequently met 
with out on the bare hillsides prowling round in starch of lizards 
on which it principally feeds. When the occasion presents itself, 
the Berg Adder will devour the fallow young of birds which build 
their nests upon the ground. The chicks of the Mountain 
Partridge or Francolin frequently fall victims to this crafty 
Adder, who lies as still as the stones and earth which he so closely 
resembles. Mice, rats, the larger larve of insects, etc., are also 
eaten by it. The Berg Adder is as venomous as the Puff Adder. 
I have never succeeded in keeping these snakes alive for long in 
captivity. Unless kept under strictly natural conditions, and 
in a climate similar to that of their native home, they, like many 
other species of snakes, decline in health, refuse to eat, and die. 
At the Port Elizabeth Museum I have tried many times to keep 
Berg Adders alive by artificially feeding them. The temperature 
of the air was warm enough for their requirements, their cage was 
large and cosy, but there was something wrong. It was evidently 
the change from a high altitude and dry crisp air, to the moisture- 
laden air of the seaside. 
THE ATRACTASPIS VIPERS. 
These snakes, although classed with the Viper family, are 
altogether different in shape from most other members of this 
family. Their bodies are cylindrical, head small and not distinct 
from the neck, eyes very small, and scales smooth and close- 
fitting. In fact, any one is apt to mistake these vipers for harm- 
less Blind Burrowing snakes (Typhlops), for, in addition to their 
outward appearance being somewhat similar, their habits are 
more or less the same as those of the Blind Burrowing snakes, or 
Acontias or Legless Burrowing Lizards. There are eleven species 
of these Atractaspis snakes in Africa, two of which inhabit South 
Africa, viz., the Oviparous Adder and Duerden’s Adder. 
A remarkable thing about them is the development of their 
