258 THE SNAKES OF SOURS. AFRICA: 
intent upon securing their eggs or babies. Presently the snake 
reached the nest, whereupon one of the hawks flew fiercely at the 
serpent and gripped it with claws and bill. Instantly the snake 
struck out, again and again, and threw a coil or two round the 
bird. Down came the two, hurtling through the branches to the 
ground. The bird was either killed by the fall or the snake’s 
venom, but its powerful claws were still embedded deep in the 
reptile’s flesh. The snake struggled fiercely to release itself, but 
before it could succeed I killed it. 
On another occasion, hearing a noisy clamour in a tree, I crept 
silently forward and saw a Boomslang or Tree Snake approach a 
nest and seize a fluffy baby bird. The youngster screamed and 
struggled frantically, whereupon the parent bird, in a frenzy of 
fury, flew at the snake. The reptile dropped the young bird, but, 
alas! it instantly gripped the brave mother. I ran forward, 
but the crafty serpent glided off amongst the leafage and vanished 
from sight with its victim. 
WRONG CONCLUSIONS. 
The ground-frequenting venomous snakes, such as the Cobras 
and Vipers, invariably strike their prey and immediately release it, 
knowing the potent action of their venom, and realizing the stricken 
creature will be quickly overcome by the poison. When a rat is 
introduced into a cage containing a Puff Adder or Cobra, the snake, 
after striking the victim, releases it, and contents itself with 
keeping it under observation. The rat, after being struck, grows 
dizzy, runs here and there at random, and is quickly overcome by 
the virulence of the venom. Often the bitten creature is instantly 
paralysed. 
Now, if a bird, whilst feeding upon the ground, is struck by a 
venomous snake which has been lying in ambush, the victim 
invariably flies up to the nearest branch or twig; screams, 
flutters, sways unsteadily, and within a few minutes, being no 
longer able to retain its hold, flutters down dying to the expectant 
snake below, which in all probability, is intently watching its 
movements. Sometimes, after being bitten, the bird instantly 
loses the power of flight, and remains on the ground in front of the 
snake, fluttering and screaming. 
