266 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
retained, but as soon as they were placed on the ground, most of 
the milk ran out of the mouth. 
I have often been told that snakes were killed, and the milk 
came out when their bodies were smashed up. What really took 
place, I expect, was, when the snake’s body was shot to pieces or 
pounded with sticks or stones, the eggs which were in it, got 
smashed, and the creamy-white contents were mistaken for 
clotted milk. 
SNAKES AND THEIR MATES. 
In South Africa the belief is widespread that if a snake is 
killed its mate will, sooner or later, appear upon the scene of the 
tragedy, and wreak vengeance upon the slayer. So strong is 
this belief that if a venomous snake should be killed in or 
near a dwelling, the occupants are in a state of nervous dread 
for many days afterwards. In Natal many a time my native 
servants have positively refused to kill a snake, fearing lest its 
mate would seek them out during the darkness of the night, or lie 
concealed in some lurking place and deal them a revengeful fatal 
thrust. 
Like most popular beliefs, this particular one has some slight 
foundation in fact. It is a case of facts being misinterpreted and 
grossly exaggerated. 
During the summer season, which is the time when snakes lead 
an active existence, they are frequently found in pairs, or the 
male may be observed in search of the female. When a snake is 
killed near a habitation, the occupants, believing the mate will 
turn up on vengeance intent, either make a careful search of the 
neighbourhood, or else are keenly on the alert. If the mate should 
be somewhere near, it will probably be found. Any one who has 
hunted snakes in a systematic manner, knows that when these 
reptiles are not specially sought for, they are seldom seen. 
Naturally if a systematic hunt be organized for the supposed mate 
of a slain snake, one of the same species is likely to be discovered 
somewhere in the vicinity. 
Snakes find their mates mainly by the sense of smell. A male 
snake is able thus to follow the spoor of a female for considerable 
distances. I have frequently watched Puff Adders and Night 
Adders which I kept in captivity in large enclosures, following in 
