A HARD FIGHT. 49 



feet. It is glossy jet black along the back, but 

 from there gradually merges into ochre about the 

 belly, and is decorated with a pure white ring around 

 the neck hence the Boer name. This is a very 

 active serpent, and possesses a peculiarity of spitting 

 at its adversaries, by which it can eject its secre- 

 tion to a distance, some say of nine or ten feet ; 

 but six, I think, would be more like the mark. 

 From this peculiarity the species is often known as 

 the spitting serpent. 



The " ringkaal " may not seek a fight, but if such 

 should be forced upon it, well I know by experience 

 that it is the last creature in the universe to avoid it. 



Now the combatants, as far as pluck was 

 concerned, were about equal ; but, had I been a 

 betting man, I would have backed the reptile. 



The engagement soon commenced, and the 

 activity of both belligerents was most surprising. 

 For several minutes feints were made and blows 

 returned, still neither appeared to have the advantage 

 of the other. 



The springboks also seemed much interested in 

 what was taking place, for they assembled in a 

 gradually increasing drove and watched with curious, 



