A BLACK MAMBA. 347 



Natal, and reported to be very deadly I killed to-day. 

 It was coiled up among a clump of mapaney bushes, 

 and had just made a meal of some young birds, in con- 

 sequence it was more sluggish than this active reptile 

 generally is. 



The inhabitants of Natal affirm that the mamba will 

 chase you : this I doubt ; at the same time I believe that 

 if you happen to be between it and its retreat it will 

 not turn to either side to avoid you. 



